FF down plays talk of backing Byrne for Áras

FIANNA Fáil has downplayed the likelihood of the party nominating Gay Byrne as its presidential candidate.

Sources confirmed yesterday that Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley had floated the idea with Mr Byrne through an intermediary, but stressed it was not an official party approach.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin is thought to be unconvinced about the merits of running a candidate given the party’s lack of both funds and public support.