Philip Reynolds, the son of former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, is unlikely to stand for the party in the Longford-Roscommon constituency at the next general election.
Mr Philip Reynolds said Fianna Fail planned to hold the selection convention for the constituency in early April, and this effectively ruled him out of the contest.
"I told the boys in the local organisation I would be available depending on my commitment to the [family pet food] business. And with the amount of work we have on here now I could not be available".
Mr Reynolds is managing director of the family firm, C&D Foods, which is based in Edgeworthstown, Co Longford. The company was established by his father, who ceased day to day involvement with the business on becoming a government minister. Following his retirement from Government, Mr Reynolds snr has moved his home to Dublin, from where he concentrates on other business interests.
Philip Reynolds has been championed by some sections of the party as the most likely candidate to retain his father's seat in a general election. However, while he is definitely interested in the seat, if the selection convention is held before the ardfheis in early April he will not be available.
The preferred date for a selection convention for Mr Reynolds would be late summer.
A spokesman for the Fianna Fail press office in Leinster House said most selection conventions have now been held and "it would be the party's intention" to hold the selection convention for Longford-Roscommon in the near future.
Among the names already being put forward are Councillors Denis Glennon, Peter Kelly and Luie McEntire.
