FF chooses novice politician to contest Dublin by-election

FIANNA FAIL’S youngest councillor has been selected as the party’s candidate to contest next month’s by-election in Dublin West following the death of Brian Lenihan.

David McGuinness, 26, a member of Fingal County Council, was chosen last night after party leader Micheal Martin vowed to fight to retain the seat held by the late former minister for finance.

Mr McGuinness was first elected a councillor in 2009 to represent the Mulhuddart area. He ran in the general election as Mr Lenihan’s running mate in Dublin West, won 623 first preference votes and was eliminated on the second count.