Independent councillor Paul Hogan was first elected to the council in 2004 at the age of 21 and had the distinction of being the youngest Mayor of Athlone.

His remains are reposing in Drum Parish Hall until 8pm, ahead of his funeral Mass in St Brigid's Church, Drum, at 11am tomorrow.

Micháel Martin said the party would consider the views of delegates present at last night's Fianna Fáil selection convention in Roscommon.

The two remaining candidates will face off for the party's nomination in Roscommon-Galway tonight.

The three were arrested as part of ongoing Garda investigations into recent burglaries in Co Roscommon and offences in Westmeath, Cavan, Meath, Offaly, Dublin and Kildare.

The Brideswell native said he made the decision due to the party's directive yesterday confirming it would only run one candidate in the forthcoming General Election. 

The party has confirmed it will select just one General Election candidate at its convention next Thursday.

Fianna Fail does not currently have a seat in the constituency.