Conor Lenihan considers running in FF leadership race

Junior Minister Conor Lenihan has said he is seriously considering throwing his name into the race to be the next leader of Fianna Fáil.

The Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation says he is consulting his colleagues to see whether there is a willingness to support him.

He said he hopes to make a final decision later today or early tomorrow.

Nominations close at 12 noon tomorrow, with the vote due to take place on Wednesday.

Conor Lenihan has said he wants to hear what ideas are being put forward by the other four candidates who have already declared their intention to stand - his brother Brian, Mary Hanafin, Michael Martin and Eamon O'Cuiv.

Conor Lenihan added that if an inadequate choice were being given to the party, he would put himself forward.