Fianna Fáil has selected Bobby Aylward as its candidate to contest the upcoming Carlow-Kilkenny by-election, which was caused by Phil Hogan's appointment as European Commissioner.
Mr Aylward, who lives in Knockmoylan, Mulllinavat, Co Kilkenny, is a full-time farmer and community activist.
He was a member of Kilkenny County Council from 1992 until 2007 and served as a TD between 2007 and 2011.
His brother Liam is also a former Fianna Fáil TD.
Deputy Barry Cowen was named as the Director of Elections for the by-election campaign, and chaired tonight’s selection convention.
Speaking after his selection, Mr Aylward said, "this is a constituency that has borne the brunt of this government’s deeply unfair policy agenda. Now is time to send a message that people have had enough and that a change in direction is needed."
