BREAKING: Brian Stanley confirms he will run in General Election as Independent Republican

Laois TD Brian Stanley has confirmed he will contest the General Election as an Independent Republican. 

It comes three weeks after his resignation from Sinn Féin and the controversy that followed. Deputy Stanley said he will let the people of Laois judge for themselves whether he should represent them. 

In a statement on Wednesday night Deputy Stanley said: "Having been out around the county over the past 3 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 Fein. 

"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.

"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).

"Ensuring a ‘just transition’, with proper financial supports for farmers and householders to enable them to reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

"Investment in new schools and the provision of extra classroom accommodation where needed. Supporting the expansion of the childcare sector.
"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% commitment to serving their interests and to campaigning for a fairer society."

He went on to thank the people of Laois and Offaly who supported him 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 4 decades of political activism and let the good people of Laois judge for themselves whether I should represent them in the thirty fourth Dáil”."

At the weekend it was reported that the Laois Offaly TD was facing a finding of gross misconduct on grounds of sexual harassment as the outcome of a Sinn Féin internal inquiry. Deputy Stanley denies any wrong-doing.