FIANNA FÁIL HAS officially confirmed its candidate in the Dublin Central bye-election, selecting local city councillor John Stephens for the vote.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s party announced Stephens, who currently serves as Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, at a party selection convention this evening in the Ashling Hotel in Stoneybatter.

Stephens will be hoping to be the first Fianna Fáil candidate to win a seat in the constituency since 2007, when former party leader Bertie Ahern topped the poll.

Ahern was among those attending the selection convention, alongside Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien and senator Mary Fitzpatrick.

John Stephens (centre) alongside Bertie Ahern, Mary Fitzpatrick and other Fianna Fáil members, including Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien (fifth from left) and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers (second from right) Fianna Fáil Fianna Fáil

First elected to Dublin City Council in 2024, he has also worked in administration in the Mater Hospital for the last twenty-five years.

Stephens represents the Cabra Glasnevin Local Electoral Area and currently serves as Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin.

It means he will face off against the current Lord Mayor Ray McAdam, who is standing for Fine Gael.

Speaking after his selection tonight, Stephens said he was contesting the election on “three clear priorities”, making Dublin Central “safer, cleaner and tackling the housing challenges facing local families” in the Dublin Central.

“I have lived, worked and played an active role in this community throughout my life,” Stephens added.

“Born in the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin Central has always been my home. I am from here. I have lived the experiences of people in this community, I experienced the challenges the community face and I share their hopes for the future.”

Party leader Martin said in a statement that Stephens has understands the “importance of public service” and that he looked forward to canvassing with him to try and win a seat for Fianna Fáil for the first time in 19 years.