Former Fine Gael junior minister John Perry has confirmed he is to run as an Independent candidate in the Sligo/Leitrim, North Roscommon, South Donegal constituency in the coming general election.
It follows Fine Gael having selected newly-elected Sligo County Councillor Thomas Walsh to run as the party’s Dail candidate in the constituency.
Deputy Perry had previously told Ocean FM that he would be a candidate in the general election.
The 63-year old Ballymote man has been a councillor, Dail deputy, junior minister and chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
Fine Gael has struggled to find candidates to run in the coming general election, with former TD Gerry Reynolds from Leitrim and Sligo councillor Sinead Maguire withdrawing from the race after having been selected.
Throughout that time, Mr Perry had always insisted he would be a candidate in the general election — and now he is true to his word with his confirmation he will be run as an Independent.
Ironically, he will be up against his former assistant and aide, Councillor Thomas Walsh who, with Senator Frank Feighan, are now the two Fine Gael candidates in the constituency.
Speaking to Ocean FM News, Mr Perry says he wishes all the other candidates well, and will be concentrating on his own campaign.
He explained why he has decided to run:
