Fianna Fáil has announced that it is to run three candidates in the three-seat constituency of Donegal North East.
There had been controversy over electoral strategy in the constituency after the merging of Niall Blaney's Independent Fianna Fáil organisation with Fianna Fáil, which gave the party a monopoly on representation in the constituency.
The former minister, Dr Jim McDaid, who had been expected to resign at the next election, announced that he would be seeking a nomination to run again after the announcement of the amalgamation.
In a statement this lunchtime, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, said Mr Blaney had sought a meeting with him last night and had said he believed the best way to maximise Fianna Fáil's vote in the election was to run three candidates.
The candidates will be Deputy Blaney, Dr McDaid, and the other Fianna Fáil TD, Cecilia Keaveney.
