McNulty intends to stand for FG in next general election

The Arts Minister Heather Humphries says Fine Gael officials told her John McNulty wanted to be on the board of an Arts organisation.

The Donegal businessman today withdrew from the running for the Seanad by-election, amid allegations he was appointed to the board of IMMA to enhance his candidacy.

Minister Humphries says she regrets the controversy surrounding Mr McNulty's appointment to IMMA - and that she has learned valuable lessons from the experience.

John McNulty, meanwhile, says he intends to stand for Fine Gael in the next general election.

He said that he would be honoured to serve the people of Donegal in the Dail.