Fine Gael bid to avoid repeating Maria Bailey or Verona Murphy controversy with candidate pledge

Candidates were asked to confirm that they had no pending prosecutions or prior convictions other than minor road traffic offences.

Fine Gael general election candidates have been asked to sign a pledge to confirm that they have no skeletons in their closet that could harm the party.

It follows a number of controversies involving previous candidates including Maria Bailey and Verona Murphy.