Mitchell insists Kenny backing him for Áras

STRUGGLING Fine Gael presidential candidate Gay Mitchell has insisted that Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the party are behind him as he fights for the Áras.

Mr Mitchell has been struggling badly in the polls as his campaign has so far failed to catch fire.

It is accepted in political circles that the party leadership wanted former European Parliament president Pat Cox as FG choice, believing he would have been a better candidate.