Fine Gael's Wicklow TD Simon Harris will be Fine Gael's third candidate for the Ireland South constituency in the European elections.

Mr Harris was approached by Taoiseach Enda Kenny a number of weeks ago following the decision of former Irish Farmer's Association president John Bryan not to contest for Fine Gael.

His addition to the party ticket, which already includes sitting MEP Sean Kelly and Senator Deirdre Clune, will be ratified by a meeting of the Fine Gael national executive tonight.