Fine Gael set to add six more candidates to general election tickets

Several Fine Gael ministers and TDs are on tenterhooks as the party is set to add up to six candidates to its general election tickets in key marginal constituencies.

The party intends to have all additions confirmed by the end of next week, but Children’s Minister James Reilly and chief whip Paul Kehoe are among those who look set to have an additional running mate for the election.

The party, which is targeting at least 60 seats in the election, currently has 84 confirmed candidates to contest the 40 constituencies, but party sources last night said the final total could be as high as 90.