John Bryan defeated in FG convention

Former IFA president John Bryan has lost out in his bid to become a Fine Gael TD. 

The 59-year-old was widely expected to win the nomination to stand in the Carlow/Kilkenny by-election, but was defeated in the selection convention by Councillor David Fitzgerald.

The result is seen as a blow to the party leadership, who were backing Bryan — who was also linked with Fine Gael last year as a possible MEP candidate.