FF to decide within two weeks on presidential candidate

Fianna Fáil say they will decide within the next two weeks on whether or not they will put forward their own candidate for the Presidential election.

It is speculated there could be some arguments within the party following Michéal Martin's decision to tell Gay Byrne that the Fianna Fáil would back him if he decided to run as an independent candidate.

Mr Martin has been criticised for not looking within the party for a candidate.

Fianna Fáil deputy leader Eamon O'Cuiv, MEP Brian Crowley and former minister Mary Hanafin are all known to be interested in the job.