Three candidates are understood to be in contention tonight as Fine Gael hold their selection convention in Sligo-Leitrim for the next general election.
The party is likely to choose two people to go forward, one based in the Sligo/South Donegal part of the constitunecy and one from Leitrim/North Rosscommon.
Their are eight candidates in total, and Noel Merrick, former TD Gerry Reynolds and former Senator Michael Comiskey are understood to be the frontrunners.
The other candidates are former Junior Minister, John Perry, former Senator Frank Feighan, Sligo-based councillor Sinead Maguire, the only woman seeking nomination; Blaine Gaffney, a parliamentary assistant to Mr McLoughlin, who is not seeking re-election; and councillor Hubert Keaney.
Our reporter Barry Whyte has been looking ahead to tonight’s convention….
