More trouble for FF in Cowen's constituency

Just 24 hours after Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced he was retiring from politics, the Fianna Fáil campaign in Laois/Offaly has been dealt another blow.

Offaly County Councillor John Foley is leaving the party to contest the election as an Independent.

It comes as party headquarters is expected to tell tonight's selection convention that it can only run 2two candidates - one from Laois and one from Offaly.

At a press conference this evening, councillor Foley said he did not support the two-candidate strategy as it would leave North Offaly without a Fianna Fáil Dáil candidate.