Fine Gael has agreed to add outgoing TD John Perry to its election ticket - after withdrawing its defence in a High Court case.

The court was this afternoon told that Deputy Perry will be added to the ticket after a meeting of the Fine Gael executive tomorrow.

The TD had claimed there were irregularities in the selection of candidates - but will now be added to the ticket alongside two others.

It means the party will now be running three candidates in the four-seat area, with Perry joining outgoing TD Tony McLoughlin and new candidate Gerry Reynolds.

The addition also means Fine Gael will now have to add two more female candidates in other constituencies if they are to maintain their 30% national total of female candidates, in line with the law on gender quotas.

This afternoon Deputy Perry thanked constituents who had sent Mass cards and lit candles for his cause: