Ann Sweeney from Dunfanaghy has declared her intention to run as an independent candidate in the Donegal South West by-election.
Ms Sweeney has submitted her nomination papers.
She is the founder of the New Island Party, which she describes as a concept rather than an organisation.
Ms Sweeney said she wants it to act as a forum for ideas and independent thinking, with no formal membership and no whip system.
Speaking on the campaign trail in Donegal Town today, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the Donegal South West by-election would be a national referendum on the Government.
He said he had absolutely no confidence in the current Government and that he would not support the upcoming Budget.
He refused to be drawn on where Fine Gael would make the cuts if in power, but said that they had put together a comprehensive plan.
Speaking at the launch of Senator Pearse Doherty’s manifesto for the by-election, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said the by-election provides the people of Donegal South West with the opportunity to 'make a stand against a bad government and bad government policy.'
He said 'Fianna Fáil and Green Party leadership have clearly lost their way. The election of Pearse Doherty is the best opportunity for Donegal people to stand up for themselves, to stand up for Ireland and to stand up for Donegal.'
