Fianna Fáil is expected to add a second candidate to contest the new Kerry five- seat constituency, following the selection of county council chairman John Brassil.

Fianna Fáil councillor Norma Moriarty, a teacher in Kenmare who was elected to the council in the last local elections, is regarded as the front-runner.

Adding Ms Moriarty to the ticket would make sense in terms of geography and gender. Mr Brassil, a pharmacist in Ballyheigue, is based in the north of the constituency, while Ms Moriarty is based in the south.

Mr Brassil defeated former TD Tom McEllistrim at the party convention last weekend, although Mr McEllistrim had outpolled him in the first count.

A transfer from Councillor Norma Foley, daughter of the late former TD Denis Foley, saw Mr Brassil win by 637 votes to Mr McEllistrim's 532 votes in the final count. The quota was 570.