'TIME TIGHT' TO PICK FINE GAEL CANDIDATE

A MEMBER of Fine Gael's executive council said time is "tight" for the party to pick a presidential candidate.

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

Last week it was announced the party's candidate Mairead McGuinness - who had been signalled as a favourite to win - had to drop out on health grounds.

Fine Gael's executive council will meet tonight to discuss the next steps after the former EU Commissioner withdrew.

MEP Regina Doherty, who is a member of the executive, said "time is of the essence" when it comes to picking a candidate.