Five names are in the hat for the selection convention while a 6th Councillor John Carroll decided to withdraw his name from the race earlier this week expressing concern that the hierarchy seem to favour Mid & South Tipp.
Over a thousand party members will gather in the Anner Hotel in Thurles from 6 o'clock this evening to cast their ballots – with 3 hours set aside for voting.
Those in the running are South Tipperary Councillors Siobhan Ambrose and Imelda Goldsboro, former TD and Senator Martin Mansergh and north Tipp Councillors Jackie Cahill and Michael Smith
Councillor John Carroll who had initially put his name forward withdrew from the race this week stating that with the recent boundary changes which had resulted in a significant reduction in registered members, it would be very difficult for a candidate standing in the Nenagh Municipal District to be successful.
He claimed local Fianna Fail supporters were surprised that the party hierarchy appeared to favour candidates in Mid and South Tipp – warning there's a danger there would be no Fianna Fail candidate from Offaly to Limerick.
Following tonight's vote the convention proper – Chaired by Fianna Fail Vice President and Clare TD Timmy Dooley will get underway at nine -which involves the counting of ballot papers and speeches by those vying to get on the party ticket. The successful candidate is expected to be unveiled by 10.30.
And while only one person is being chosen tonight its expected Fianna Fail will include another closer to the elections so that both North and South Tipp are representated..
