'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 picking a candidate.