Brian Stanley is to contest the forthcoming General Election as an Independent Republican candidate.
It comes after Stanley resigned from Sinn Féin amid a controversy relating to a complaint made against him.
In a statement to the Laois People, the former Sinn Féin deputy announced his “intention”, 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. “
He said that he 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.
Mr Stanley continued: “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.
“Further investment in Portlaoise, Abbeyleix and Mountmellick Hospitals, a Primary Care Centre in Portlaoise and new and upgraded of local health centres in Mountrath, Borris in Ossory, Rathdowney and Graiguecullen.
"Improving access to disability services and improvements in the Child, Disabilities Network Teams (CDNT).”
He added that he wanted to ensure a ‘just transition’, with proper financial supports for farmers and householders to enable them to reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Mr Stanley pointed out that investment in new schools and key provision of extra classroom accommodation were needed.
Portarlington and Mountmellick Flood Relief Schemes to be put in place in a shorter timeframe.
“To the best of my ability, I will use the experience gained over 12 years as a Councillor and almost 14 years as a TD, to represent the interests of the people of Laois in the Dáil. I pledge 100 per cent commitment to serving their interests and to campaigning for a fairer society," he said.
“I want to sincerely thank the people in Laois and Offaly who have supported me in successive elections and for the many kind messages sent to me and my family over the past few weeks.
“In the recent past, there has been a sustained attempt by a micro group, with their own agenda, to carry out a campaign of character assignation against me and damage my reputation.
“I am prepared to stand on my record of work of over four decades of political activism and let the good people of Laois judge for themselves whether I should represent them in the thirty fourth Dáil."
