THE FINE GAEL PARLIAMENTARY PARTY CHAIRMAN, SITTING TD, PADRAIC MCCORMACK LAST NIGHT FAILED TO WIN A NOMINATION TO RUN FOR THE PARTY IN THE GENERAL ELECTION.

MR MCCORMACK LOST A SELECTION CONVENTION IN GALWAY WEST TO COUNCILLOR BRIAN WALSH AND SENATOR FIDELMA HEALY-EAMES.

AFTER REVERSING A DECISION TO RETIRE AT THE 2007 GENERAL ELECTION, PARTY SOURCES EXPECT MR MCCORMACK TO STAND DOWN THIS TIME.

HOWEVER, THAT HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED.

MR WALSH IS BASED IN THE SAME PART OF THE CONSTITUENCY AS MR MCCORMACK.

DESPITE HIS SENIOR POSITION IN THE PARTY, THE VETERAN TD IS UNLIKELY NOW TO BE ON THE PARTY TICKET.

FINE GAEL HEADQUARTERS WILL LOOK TO ADD EITHER ONE OR TWO MORE CANDIDATES, WITH SEAN KYNE IN THE COUNTY AND HILDEGARD NAUGHTON IN THE CITY TIPPED FOR SELECTION.

FINE GAEL LEADER ENDA KENNY HAD NO PROBLEMS BEING SELECTED IN THE 5 SEATER MAYO CONSTITUENCY YESTERDAY.

THE PARTY IS TO RUN THE SAME TEAM AS IT DID IN THE COUNTY IN 2007.

THREE SITTINGS TS ENDA KENNY, MICHAEL RING, JOHN O’MAHONY AND BALLINA BASED COUNCILLOR MICHELLE MULHERRIN