Sinn Féin choose Janice Boylan for Dublin Central by-election

Ms Boylan defeated campaigner Gillian Sherratt at a party convention on Wednesday evening. 

The Sinn Féin councillor Janice Boylan will be the party's candidate for the Dublin Central by-election.

Ms Boylan defeated campaigner Gillian Sherratt at a party convention on Wednesday evening.

A party spokesperson said: "Sinn Féin Councillor Janice Boylan was selected as the party candidate for the Dublin Central by-election and her name will now go forward to the Ard Chomhairle for formal ratification. The campaign starts now to elect Janice as the next TD for Dublin Central."

The by election to fill the seat vacated by former finance minister Paschal Donohoe will be held in May, it is understood.

Fianna Fáil is expected to run Deputy Lord Mayor John Stephens after senator Mary Fitzpatrick ruled herself out of a run.

Fine Gael could select incumbent Lord Mayor Ray McAdam as its candidate.

The Social Democrats were out last year unveiling their candidate, Daniel Ennis and the Green Party recently formally selected councillor Janet Horner as its nominee for the by-election.

People Before Profit has selected Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin and Aontú have selected Ian Noel Smyth.

Independent candidates include Malachy Steenson and Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch.