Former Green MEP Patricia McKenna launched her campaign for the European elections, saying she wanted to give a voice to the voiceless.
Ms McKenna, who was a Green Party MEP for ten years, is running as an independent after resigning from the party over its policy direction in Government.
She said people need a strong voice independent of Government and the political establishment now more than ever.
Elsewhere, the Green Party has launched its manifesto for the local elections.
They are promising to build stronger local economies and better planned, closer and greener communities.
Among the proposals in the manifesto are low-cost incubator spaces for new businesses; providing tele-working sites in council buildings; introducing safe routes to school and better cycling facilities; and the provision of local authority land for allotments and community gardens.
The party is running 99 candidates in the local elections.
