Fine Gael veteran Olivia Mitchell is to announce her retirement from politics today.

Ms Mitchell will confirm her intention not to contest the forthcoming party selection convention for the Dublin-Rathdown constituency.

She was unavailable for comment last night, but has formally told party headquarters of her decision.

Ms Mitchell (68) was first elected to the Dáil in 1997 and received the highest vote of any female candidate in the 2011 general election.

Fine Gael will now have four candidates to stand at convention, including former minister for justice Alan Shatter.

Councillors Neale Richmond, Barry Saul and Josepha Madigan will also contest the selection convention.

A date has been set for October 2nd, with nomination papers distributed last week.

Fine Gael is said to be in favour of a two-candidate strategy because the constituency has been reduced from five seats to three.

Independent TD Shane Ross, Labour Minister Alex White and Independent TD Peter Mathews are all seeking re-election in Dublin-Rathdown.

Fianna Fáil has selected Senator Mary White, while Sinn Féin's Sorcha Nic Cormaic is also contesting.

Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin is also a candidate, as is People Before Profit's Nicola Curry.