Minister Richard Bruton has not been selected by Fine Gael delegates in his constituency to run in the next general election.
In a surprising move at the Dublin Bay North selection convention last night members voted for Dublin city councillor Naoise ÓÂ’Muirí and Stephanie Regan as their preferred candidates to contest the competition.
It's understood to be in reaction to a directive from the party's headquarters that in line with the gender quota rules one man and one woman should be selected.
The party is expected add the Jobs Minister to the ticket later today.
Political Correspondent with the Irish Times Fiach Kelly says it's highly embarrassing for Richard Bruton:
