THE 'Fine Girl' at the centre of a new picturegate controversy is quickly becoming a worldwide sensation.

Kildare election hopeful Emma Kiernan now has her own dedicated Facebook fan club and infamous blogger Guido Fawkes has even endorsed the candidate.

Emma shot to national fame after the Herald revealed how a chain mail had begun to circulate in offices around the country.

Playful

The photograph, which was taken at a friends 30th birthday party, shows Ms Kiernan and two friends in a more than playful pose.

It was originally posted on a friend's Facebook page but was quickly lifted and emailed around the country.

And while Ms Kiernan's friend removed the image when they became aware of the chain mail, others have now set up a new page dedicated solely to the picture.

The new site was an instant hit and already has more than 250 fans.

Now infamous blogger Guido Fawkes has latched on to the controversy with a tribute to the 27-year-old on his own website.

Fawkes, whose blog is read by around 118,000 every month, wrote: "This is Emma Kiernan, who is standing for Fine Gaele [sic] on Newbridge Town Council, Kildare, Ireland.

"Guido was until now thinking of voting for Libertas in Ireland.

"This could change things. She certainly looks a lot different from her official photo which, unlike this Facebook picture, is not splashed all over the Irish media and political blogs."

Great

The blog, which is one of the most read in Westminster, adds: "Emma says: 'Admittedly it's not a great photograph'; Guido begs to differ."

The picture of Ms Kiernan sandwiched between two girls is a far cry from her official campaign pose in a smart business suit.

The new "Vote for Emma Kiernan" Facebook page has been flooded with quirky messages from male fans.

"Emma's friend should be handling the national, er, assets management agency... that's if she doesn't already have her hands full," wrote one fan.

While another web-user said the sexy pictures are "as good a reason not to vote for anyone else this election".

Ms Kiernan has laughed off the controversy, saying that she was "actually surprised that anyone was interested in the photograph".

Ms Kiernan is considered a serious candidate with a strong chance of taking a seat for Fine Gael on the Newbridge Town Council.

kdoyle@herald.ie

- Kevin Doyle