Stephen Donnelly lone Fianna Fáil candidate in Wicklow as opponent bows out

Running Stephen Donnelly as a lone candidate was Fianna Fáil's 'only real choice'. Picture: PA

Running Stephen Donnelly as the lone Fianna Fáil general election candidate in Wicklow was the only way to go, Pat Casey has said of his decision to withdraw from the selection convention.

The Wicklow senator took the decision to step aside less than 24 hours before Thursday evening's convention, making it a one-horse race after his wife Sonia Casey-Shortt also withdrew.