MEP Sean Kelly criticises Fine Gael's selection process for presidential candidate

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly said he was “surprised” that he didn’t have more support within the parliamentary party, having been elected since 2009. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA

Recriminations have begun in Fine Gael over the presidential election campaign even before ballots have been counted, as MEP Sean Kelly criticised the process which saw Heather Humphreys selected as a candidate.

Mr Kelly said the campaign got off to a “bad start”, adding that it was a mistake not to allow a contest to take place between himself and Ms Humphreys.