Update 02.29, 12 July 2013: Donohue is confirmed by Taoiseach as new Minister of State for European Affairs - read more here.

DUBLIN CENTRAL TD Paschal Donohoe is the clear favourite to be appointed as the new Minister of State for European Affairs in the wake of Lucinda Creighton’s automatic removal from the Fine Gael parliamentary party tonight.

TheJournal.ie understands this evening that Donohoe is the favoured candidate for the role but there has been no firm decision by government as yet. The appointment of junior ministers is at the discretion of the Taoiseach Enda Kenny who would normally bring his recommendation to Cabinet for approval.

Donohoe’s name has been mentioned in recent days given Creighton’s inevitable decision to vote against her party on the abortion legislation. Her decision to support an amendment seeking to remove the suicide clause means she has lost the Fine Gael whip and will be sacked as a junior minister.

Other possible successors who have been mentioned include Health Committee chairman Jerry Buttimer and the party chairman Charlie Flanagan.

Earlier, Donohoe’s colleague on the Public Accounts Committee, independent TD Shane Ross, tweeted:

Donohoe, 38, was first elected to the Dáil at the last general election in 2011, topping the poll with nearly 20 per cent of first preference votes.

Read: Lucinda Creighton votes against government; loses FG whip