Former health minister James Reilly has said he is contest the next general election.

The Senator said he will not be running in the forthcoming European elections to concentrate his efforts on winning a seat in the Dáil.

In a statement, he said: "A number of supporters and Fine Gael political representatives approached me some time ago to consider running in the Dublin European elections this May.

"I considered that option and discussed it with my family and political team, supporters and others.

"However, I have decided to concentrate on winning a Dáil seat in Dublin Fingal at the next general election to provide positive stable Government for Ireland and Fingal".

Senator Reilly also said he wished Frances Fitzgerald "every success in her bid for Europe".

The former Tánaiste is expected to seek the Fine Gael nomination for the MEP seat.

Seantor Reilly was nominated to the Seanad by the Taosieach in 2016.

He served as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs from 2014 to 2016, and as Minister for Health from 2011 to 2014.

He lost his Dáil seat in Dublin-Fingal at the 2016 general election.