Hanafin confirms decision to run in FF leadership race

Mary Hanafin has officially announced her decision to contest the leadership of Fianna Fáil.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport - who was also assigned the Enterprise and Trade portfolio last week - said she had received support from a number of her colleagues in the Dáil who advised her to challenge for the leadership post.

However she is urging members of the parliamentary party not to publically declare who they are backing.

"I'd love to lead a party that was renews, that was new, to have members who felt very proud to admit that they were members of Fianna Fáil, where young people were encouraged," she said.