The Progressive Democrats TD Ms Liz O'Donnell has decided not to contest the European Parliament election, delivering a blow to her party's chances of winning a seat in the Dublin constituency in June.
A party spokeswoman confirmed last night that Ms O'Donnell would not run and had decided "to concentrate on national politics". The PDs were now talking to other possible candidates "within and beyond the parliamentary party".
They remained "hopeful and confident of winning a seat in Dublin".
However, Ms O'Donnell was seen as the party's strongest candidate for the highly contested Dublin constituency. Fianna Fáil and the Labour Party are expected to win a seat each, with the remaining two being contested between the Green Party, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, second candidates from Fianna Fáil and Labour, Mr Joe Higgins of the Socialist Party and - had she run - Ms O'Donnell. Her decision comes after several months of consideration which is understood to have included a visit to Brussels to talk to various individuals about the role of and demands on an MEP.
She recently expressed concern that a decision to run for the European Parliament could be seen as a decision to withdraw from national politics.
The Tánaiste and PD leader, Ms Harney, put intense pressure on Ms O'Donnell to run in recent months.
A fortnight ago Ms Harney stated publicly that Ms O'Donnell "has a huge interest in foreign policy issues, a good track record. She would be a winning candidate".
The PD spokeswoman said last night that the party had Dublin as its main target seat but was also considering running a candidate in the East constituency, and was talking to possible candidates about that.