Mr Simon Coveney looks set to be ratified by Fine Gael at a selection convention tonight as its candidate in the forthcoming Cork South Central by-election to fill the vacancy left by the death of his father, Hugh Coveney.
Yesterday a Fine Gael county councillor, Mr Sylvester Cotter, confirmed that he would not be seeking the nomination. But he added that he stood over his criticism of the party leader, Mr John Bruton, saying he had insulted the rank and file by indicating his preference for Mr Coveney.
Mr Cotter, who stood for the party in the last general election, said he had notified party members over three weeks ago that he would not be seeking the nomination, in accordance with the rules.
He stood over his accusation that Mr Bruton's endorsement of Mr Simon Coveney at a press conference in August smacked of fascism.
"No matter who was standing, as a democrat I had to do that. One thing I would never stand for is the usurping of the democratic process, which that was. It was an insult to all rank-and-file members of the party," he said.
He did not believe "any seat should be a family fiefdom."
A member of Fine Gael for over 20 years, he also declined to comment on whether he would consider standing as an independent.
Asked whether he would be canvassing for Mr Coveney, Mr Cotter replied: "If you did not ask for a number three for me in an election, would you expect me to ask for a number one for you in the next election?"
