Gráinne Seoige officially seeks Fianna Fáil general election nod

Gráinne Seoige is now set to seek the nomination to replace outgoing Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív. Picture: Brian McEvoy

TV presenter Gráinne Seoige has officially put her name forward to contest the next general election for Fianna Fáil.

Ms Seoige is now set to seek the nomination to replace outgoing Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív, as she faces a crowded field of candidates in the upcoming selection convention.

There are eight candidates seeking the nod to replace the long-standing TD, including councillors Alan Cheevers, Cillian Keane, Gerry King and John Connolly.

Also on the ballot for local Fianna Fáil members are: Senator Ollie Crowe, Michael J Crowe and Darragh Ó Tuairisg.

Ms Seoige being on the ballot means that she received the nomination of five local Fianna Fáil members.

The TV presenter's bid to replace Mr Ó Cuív emerged last week, following the veteran TDs decision to step back at the next general election.

In a statement released last month, Mr Ó Cuív said: “After deep consideration, I have decided not to seek a nomination to stand in the next general election. In the meantime, I will continue to work as usual.” 

He joins almost 30 sitting TDs from across the political divide who have announced that they will not be seeking re-election.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin paid tribute to Mr Ó Cuív, saying that he had been an "outstanding parliamentarian".