Sean Kelly stems Fine Gael exodus by remaining as candidate in European elections

Sources said they believe Colm Burke 'would be open' to being added to the ticket if the party asks.

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly said: "I didn't get the flu bug, the covid bug, or the retirement bug," Picture: Denis Minihane

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly has confirmed that he will not join the party's exodus and will contest next year's European elections.

Mr Kelly yesterday paid tribute to his party and constituency colleague Deirdre Clune who announced that she would step away from politics, ending a 26-year career that took in the Dáil, Cork City Council, the Seanad, and Brussels. He said that Ms Clune left behind a legacy of which "Fine Gael and her constituents could be proud".