John Bryan defeated in FG convention
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.
The Carlow-Kilkenny by-election to fill the seat vacated by EU agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan, takes place on May 22.
