Cllr Deirdre Heney has been selected as a Fianna Fáil candidate in the Dublin Bay North constituency.

In a surprise outcome, she beat former TD Sean Haughey in a tight contest believed to have been decided by two votes.

It is expected Mr Haughey, also a local councillor, will be added to the Fianna Fáil ticket for the general election.

Two councillors, Aileen Woods and Tom Brabazon, withdrew before the vote took place at the convention in Clontarf, which was attended by about 150 delegates.

They pledged their full support to the chosen candidate.

Commenting on Ms Heney’s victory, one party source said: “Everyone had her written off but she has strong support within the party, has worked hard and has always been a strong vote getter.”

Mr Haughey had been expected to win at the convention. He congratulated Ms Heney on her victory and wished her well.

Power’s resignation

The convention was due to be contested by Senator Averil Power before she resigned from the party.

Ms Power said she left because of the failure of Fianna Fáil to campaign for the same-sex marriage referendum.

However, party leader Micheál Martin alleged she had asked him to orchestrate the selection convention for her benefit. Ms Power denied the claim.