The Labour Party has chosen councillor Mr Paddy McNamara to contest the Kildare North by-election next spring to replace Mr Charlie McCreevy.
The party chose its candidate last night as it prepares for a double by-election in which it hopes to inflict a demoralising defeat on the Government parties. Mr McNamara (39) topped the poll in the Naas electoral area of Kildare County Council in last June's local elections.
The by-election is expected to be held on the same day as the Meath election to replace Mr John Bruton, who has become the EU's ambassador to Washington.
Mr McCreevy's Dáil resignation date remains uncertain until a new European Commission is formed. Once the new team is established, Mr McCreevy has said he will resign his Dáil seat.
Labour outpolled Fine Gael in this constituency in 2002, and with it becoming a four seater from the next general election, the party has targeted a second seat for the future. A good by-election performance would give the party a strong ticket for the next general election.
Based in Naas, Mr McNamara is well placed to be a future running mate for the sitting TD Mr Emmet Stagg, who is based further north in Straffan. With the Labour vote concentrated around Mr Stagg's area, Mr McNamara will be seeking to develop a new vote in what have become new suburbs of Dublin, around Naas, Sallins and Kill.
Originally from Cashel Co Tipperary, Mr McNamara has lived in Naas since 1991. A lecturer in engineering at Bolton Street College of Technology, he is also involved in a number of local campaigns and community organisations.
Other declared contenders include independent councillor Ms Catherine Murphy and Progressive Democrats Senator Kate Walsh. Sinn Féin is considering running a so-far unnamed candidate from outside the constituency who is involved in the party leadership. The Green Party also intends to run a candidate.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have yet to hold their selection conventions, while speculation persists over whether Mr McCreevy's son, Mr Charlie McCreevy junior, will run on this occasion.