Fine Gael presidential convention begins

Delegates were the afternoon gathering at the Fine Gael Presidential Convention in Dublin to decide on the party's candidate for the Áras.

Three candidates - MEPs Mairead McGuinness and Gay Mitchell, and former MEP Pat Cox - are in the running following the surprise withdrawal of Avril Doyle.

Polling by the party is understood to have Mr Cox and Mairead McGuinness neck and neck, with Mr Mitchell coming up third.

The three candidates will make final pitches to the electoral college this afternoon. A result is expected by 5.30pm today.

Arriving at the convention this afternoon, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he was confident that whichever of the three is chosen will emerge the eventual winner of the presidential race.

"Any of these three candidates - all of them - have all of the characteristics to make an outstanding (president)," Mr Kenny said.

Referring to "unprecedented challenges" facing the country over the next couple of years, Mr Kenny said the next presidency would be "the most critical since the foundation of the State."