FG's John Paul Phelan rules himself out of European elections

Fine Gael's John Paul Phelan has confirmed that he will not be a candidate in the European elections.

The Carlow-Kilkenny deputy has said he considered running after former IFA President John Bryan revealed at the weekend that he would not seek the Fine Gael nomination for Ireland South.

Deputy Phelan contested Ireland East in 2009. Despite polling well, he was not elected.

Speaking to KCLR this morning he explained why he's decided not to go again:

"I was elected to the Dáil less than three years ago," he said. "That was the job I was elected for, not to run in the European elections less than three years after that event."