Senator Seán Kyne has been selected by Fine Gael to contest the upcoming by-election in Galway West.
Members of the party in the constituency voted in the selection convention at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill yesterday.
He was up against city councillor Eddie Hoare, who it's understood withdrew his name before the vote, and former President of Young Fine Gael Eoghan Gallagher.
Leader of the Seanad, Senator Kyne, from Maigh Cuilinn, previously served as a TD, Minister of State and Government Chief Whip.
He lost his Dáil seat in 2020, and ran again for General Election in 2024 - but was eliminated in the 13th count.
Seán Kyne's selection brings to eight the number of confirmed candidates for the by-election - which will be held on either May 15th or 22nd.
The others are - Independent Ireland Cllr Noel Thomas, Independent Cllr Tom Welby, Niall Murphy of the Green Party, Independent Sheila Garrity from Knocknacarra, Labour City Cllr Helen Ogbu, for Social Democrats, Connemara's Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich and city primary school teacher Orla Nugent for Aontú.
