Taoiseach and Finance Minister defend Maria Bailey decision

The Taoiseach and Finance Minister have both insisted that Maria Bailey was removed from the Fine Gael election ticket in a correct and democratic manner. Leo Varakar said he is "absolutely confident" that the Fine Gael party followed protocols when cutting the swing-gate TD as a general election candidate.

It is still not clear as to whether Ms Bailey will take further action to contest the decision of the party's executive council. However, Paschal Donohoe has confirmed that the Dun Laoghaire TD raised "issues" about last month's meeting during which local members voted in favour of a motion which stated that “urgent” action was needed to “improve” Fine Gael's chances at the ballot boxes.