CLLR John Brassil has been selected to be the Fianna Fail candidate for the Kerry constituency at the next General Election.

Cllr Brassil was elected at the Fianna Fail convention held tonight.

In the first count, with a quota of 597, Cllr Tom McEllistrim got 406 votes followed by Cllr Brassil on 394 with Cllr Foley on 223 and Cllr Michael O’Shea on 168.

However, Cllr Brassil received almost twice as many transfers from Cllr Foley as Cllr McEllistrim, resulting in the Ballyheigue pharmacist emerging victorious.

Cllr Brassil, a father of three, is the current Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council and a former Chairman of Shannon Development.

The 51-year old topped the poll in the Listowel Electoral Area in last year’s local elections.

Fianna Fáil are expected to add another candidate to the ticket, with speculation centred on Cllr Norma Moriarty from Waterville.