One of the newest political parties in Ireland intends to have a candidate in Laois in the upcoming General Election.
Martha Ryan, who lives in Portlaoise, has been mooted as a potential candidate for Aontú.
Ms Ryan is a mental health nurse with over 20 years experience in the field, as well as being a qualified psychotherapist.
She most recently ran for the party in the Local Elections in June – the first time Aontú ever had a candidate in the county.
Ms Ryan ran in the Portlaoise Municipal District but was eliminated after the Third Count after receiving 182 first preference votes.
She is now expected to be selected to contest for a spot in the three-seat constituency of Laois.
Speaking on Midlands 103, party leader Peadar Toibín described Martha as someone who seeks change rather than just talks about it.
He said: “Martha is an ordinary person, a citizen of this country, who instead of just giving out from the sidelines, has decided to organise and develop a real opposition to the government.
“I think really bodes well when we see that level of citizen involvement in the political system.”
If Ryan runs, it will take the number of confirmed candidates to five.
Sitting TDs Sean Fleming and Brian Stanley are declared for Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein respectively.
While Elaine Mullally, formerly of Independent Ireland, will run as an Independent candidate.
Sitting TD Charlie Flanagan is retiring and Fine Gael are set to select his successor at a convention this evening.
SEE ALSO – Changing of the guard as Fine Gael members set to choose their General Election candidate
