Fianna Fáil not expected to field Presidential candidate

The Fianna Fáil Parliamentary party is meeting this lunchtime where it is expected to decide not to contest October's Presidential election.

A sub-committee set up by leader Micheál Martin to examine the issue will recommend not running a candidate, but leave the door open for the party to back someone else.

There is expected to be some criticism of Mr Martin's handling of the issue, especially his botched approach to the broadcaster Gay Byrne.

However, Deputies Billy Kelleher, Niall Collins and Willie O'Dea were adamant the leader is not damaged as a result.