Michael Creed tipped as top Fine Gael candidate for EU elections

In doing so he would follow in the footsteps of his father Donal, who served as an MEP from 1973 to 1977.

However, a number of prominent party members including senator Jerry Buttimer, are also understood to be interested in running in the EU elections due to be held next year.

Sources have also said they believe Cork North-Central TD Colm Burke “would be open” to being added to the ticket if the party asks.

However, members have said that Mr Creed, who previously acted as Ms Clune’s director of elections, would be the favoured candidate and would be the person selected at convention if he decides to put his name forward.

While a candidate has yet to be selected, a senior party source indicated that the chosen person “has to come from Cork” given the county makes up about 40% of the population of the current constituency.

Announcing her decision not to run again last week, Ms Clune said she is “looking forward to the next chapter of my political life” where she can “revert to being a Fine Gael activist” and support the next generation of public representatives.

“Ever since I first walked through the doors of Dáil Éireann 27 years ago, I have striven to serve my constituents with determined resolve,” she said.

Ms Clune said that through her work at the European Parliament, she has seen how the EU has played a “defining role” in Ireland becoming a “modern open society and economy”.

Sitting MEP Sean Kelly has said he will be fighting to retain his seat in the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Sinn Féin senator Paul Gavan is also hoping to selected run in the Ireland South for his party. It is likely that Mary Lou McDonald’s party will run two candidates in this constituency in a bid to capitalise on its high poll ratings.

Earlier this week the Electoral Commission confirmed that Ireland’s extra seat will be allocated to the Midlands North-West constituency which will now take in Laois and Offaly.

The changes have only fueled speculation that Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen will run for Europe.