Grainne Seoige becomes Fianna Fail general election candidate after three others withdraw from the race

Mr Connolly said: "I was first elected in 2004 to the city council and I am now ambitious to do it on a grander scale. I have a lot of hunger for this at the moment."

Under new rules, all parties must meet gender quotas to keep receiving state funding. This could influence the candidate selection process significantly, ensuring representation is considered.

Ms Seoige announced her intention to run as a TD in the Galway West constituency last August. The potential of her candidacy reflects the shifting landscape of politics in Ireland.

While Mr Ó Cuív said Ms Seoige had massive name recognition in Ireland, he said gender and geography would also be a factor in candidate selection.

Read at Irish Independent