Fine Gael yesterday moved to shore up its support in Wexford by announcing Ms Avril Doyle MEP is to be a candidate in the election.
In a surprise move, Ms Doyle is to replace the former Fine Gael general secretary, Mr Eddie O'Reilly, on the party ticket. The move followed recent opinion polls which, the party admitted, showed its second seat in the constituency was under threat from Fianna Fáil.
Fine Gael had intended fielding a new-look team in Wexford, following Ms Doyle's election to the European Parliament and the decision of the former minister, Mr Ivan Yates, to retire.
Mr O'Reilly said he had offered to do "whatever was necessary" to ensure the party retained its two seats.
