Mary Hanafin loses out in FF Dún Laoghaire selection

Former education minister Mary Hanafin’s bid for a Dáil return suffered a setback as Fianna Fáil members in Dún Laoghaire narrowly rejected her as an election candidate.

Councillor Cormac Devlin triumphed in a three-way battle with Ms Hanafin and fellow councillor Kate Feeney.

Ms Hanafin could yet be added to the ticket by Fianna Fáil high command as the party is struggling to reach the gender quota calling for 30% of candidates to be women. Mr Devlin edged out Ms Hanafin in a final score of 67 to 64 .