Fianna Fáil has added barrister Jim O'Callaghan to its ticket for the next general election in Dublin South East as the party moves towards finalising its list of candidates for all 43 constituencies.
Mr O'Callaghan (38) was runner-up at the selection convention in February which was won by Chris Andrews. He was an unsuccessful candidate in Rathmines in the 2004 local government elections.
The final decision by the party's constituencies committee, chaired by Brian Cowen, was taken between Mr O'Callaghan and Senator Mary White. Cllr Garry Keegan, who was also defeated at the convention, and John Hanafin, who withdrew just before the convention got under way, had also sought to be added.
Fianna Fáil conventions will choose Dáil candidates for Galway East and Clare over the next four days, leaving just five selection conventions to take place before the next general election.
In Galway East, three candidates will be chosen next Sunday from outgoing TDs Joe Callanan and Noel Treacy, Senator Michael Kitt and five local councillors. There are three seats in the constituency.
The following day in four-seat Clare, delegates are likely to choose three candidates, with the retirement of Síle de Valera providing an opportunity for a newcomer - or former deputy Brendan Daly - to be elected to the Dáil.
Outgoing TD Tony Killeen, Senators Timmy Dooley and Brendan Daly and Cllr Pat Hayes are contesting the convention.
No dates have been set for the remaining five conventions, with the outcomes of two particularly uncertain because experienced outgoing TDs have not decided whether to run again.
In the three-seat Dublin North East, Michael Woods (70) who was first elected in 1977 is said by local sources to be considering whether to retire from the Dáil. He could not be contacted for comment yesterday.
Were he to retire, party sources say Cllr Deirdre Heney, who performed impressively in neighbouring Dublin North Central in the 2002 general election but failed to get a seat, may seek to run in North East.
Senator Liam Fitzgerald, a former TD, will also be contesting, and one of these is likely to join outgoing TD Martin Brady on the ticket.