Mitchell rejects Dublin bias

FINE Gael’s presidential candidate, Gay Mitchell, has dismissed the possibility of his strongly Dublin-centric record handicapping his ability to win support across the country.

He also commiserated with his friend, Brian Crowley, who was denied the opportunity of running for Fianna Fáil.

Mr Mitchell said he spoke with Mr Crowley on Tuesday, adding that he would have preferred to see an established Fianna Fáil figure in the race because it would have engaged more traditional voters.