The Fianna Fail parliamentary party has decided not to support the nomination of any external candidate in the presidential race.
It follows the decision of Fianna Fail Senator Labhras O’Murchu to withdraw his bid for the presidency this morning.
It now looks increasingly unlikely that David Norris or Dana will be able to get enough signatures to enter the race.
Clare Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley feels the party has made the right decision.
Meanwhile, Martin McGuinness has hit out at what he calls the "West Brit elements" around Dublin and in the media, who have criticised his nomination for the Presidency.
The Sinn Fein candidate says he is a "genuine peacemaker" with a contribution to make to Ireland’s future.
He says he has never hidden his involvement in the IRA and he says when people examine his life and role in Irish politics they need to examine it in the round.
