THE broadcaster and journalist Ruth Buchanan is to seek a nation to contest Wicklow at a selection convention next week.

"Entering politics has always been on the back of mind," she said last night. "I have been encouraged to seek the nomination by members of Fine Gael."

Ms Buchanan is married to Senator Shane Ross, whose imposition as a candidate in 1992 caused a number of high profile local party activists, including the Greystones based county councillor Mr George Jones to leave the party and join the Voice of Wick low alliance.

Ms Buchanan was recently asked to consider running by Fine Gavel's general secretary, Mr Jim Miley, on the basis that she would appeal to the urban middle class voter in north Wicklow.

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, yesterday met Mr Jones and representatives of the Voice of WickIow alliance to invite him to seek a Fine Gael nomination.