SF to hold Laois constituency selection amid Stanley exit

Sinn Fein is expected to hold its Laois constituency selection convention on Monday as the constituency position became available after long-standing TD Brian Stanley left the party earlier this month.

Speaking to RTE News at Leinster House, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said nominations to be the party's candidate in Laois opened today, with a selection convention due to take place on Monday.

Asked if she has a preferred candidate in mind, Deputy McDonald said, "That's a matter for the local organisation. There would be consternation, as you imagine, if I started floating names around."

Asked on two occasions if Sinn Fein has concerns it may lose the seat to Deputy Stanley amid the ongoing dispute over his departure, Deputy McDonald said, "No. We're going into this campaign with a very strong slate of candidates."

It comes as Deputy Stanley confirmed that he will run in the general election as an Independent candidate.

The Laois deputy told local media that he will let the people of the constituency judge for themselves whether he should represent them as he pitched himself as an Independent Republican.

Mr Stanley resigned from Sinn Féin earlier this month saying he had been subjected to a seriously flawed internal complaints procedure.

In a statement, Deputy Stanley said: "Having been out around the county over the past three weeks, I have been encouraged by countless people, from various backgrounds to put my name forward as an Independent and who have pledged their support.

"I have also received commitments of assistance with campaigning from people in all areas, including those who have resigned from Sinn Féin.

"I will be standing on a platform of progressive republican policies and if elected will be working to improve public services, protect workers and families and address the housing crisis.

"My priorities for Laois will continue to include: New schemes of affordable homes to purchase and rent, along with social housing. Effective rent controls to stop runaway rents in the private rental market," Mr Stanley added.