Ben Harkin has pulled out of the Fianna Fail election convention.
The young Termon man announced his decision today in a statement.
The 23-year-old said he would not contest against a sitting Minister whom he said had brought so much to the county.
It follows a decision by Senator Niall Blaney announcing he was to pull out of the convention to select two Fianna Fail candidates for the upcoming election.
Senator Blaney said he was also backing Minister McConalogue.
There are now just four candidates looking for those two nominations when the party holds its convention at the Clanree Hotel this Thursday.
They include Minister Charlie McConalogue, Councillor Donal Kelly, Councillor Michael Naughton and former MEP Pat The Cope Gallagher.
One candidate will be chosen from Donegal South and another from Donegal North.
