The Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, has confirmed that the Irish entrepreneur, Brody Sweeney, is to seek the party's nomination in Dublin's North East constituency.
Mr Kenny welcomed Mr Sweeney into the party at a news conference in Dublin this afternoon.
Mr Sweeney, who is the founder of the O'Brien's Sandwich Bars chain, told the conference that he had approached Fine Gael to seek the nomination and the party did not approach him.
He said he was concerned about the economy's heavy reliance on foreign businesses and investment.
He told journalists that he accepted the Government was doing a good job in some areas of the economy, but said he believed there was need for a change and for new blood.
Since opening his first O'Brien's sandwich bar in 1988, Mr Sweeney has sold franchises in his operation and now has a chain of 230 stores worldwide.
Fine Gael has no TD at present in the three-seat constituency.
Mr Sweeney will have to stand before a selection convention before being ratified as an election candidate.
