Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has be accused of running an "old boy's brigade" after former junior minister Seán Haughey was added to a general election ticket on top of a female councillor.

Cllr Deirdre Heney, who won the Fianna Fáil selection convention in Dublin Bay North, said she is "very, very disappointed" that Mr Martin and the party hierarchy chose to add Mr Haughey to the ticket in the five-seat constituency.

Ms Heney beat Mr Haughey at the party selection convention earlier in the summer but Fianna Fáil have confirmed the addition of Mr Haughey, another councillor.

Ms Heney said it is the second time Mr Haughey has been added on top of her, following a similar scenario for the Clontarf ward in last year’s local elections.

“I am very, very, disappointed,” Ms Heney said. “The old boy’s brigade is alive and well. What Micheál Martin has done is very unfair on me. I went out and I fought to win that convention.

“This country is full of inequality for women. It is very unfair of Micheál Martin... to have Seán added.”

She also claimed there is a “close relationship” and a “friendship” between Mr Martin and Mr Haughey.

“I had to go out and work really, really hard and Seán is added on top of me for a second time. It could result in no seat for Fianna Fáil in Dublin Bay North.”