Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has confirmed he will contest the general election as an independent candidate in the constituency of Roscommon-Galway.
In an interview on Shannonside FM radio this morning, Senator Murphy said he made the decision after being told by Fianna Fáil party headquarters he would not be added to the ticket after narrowly losing the selection convention to former IMO president Dr Martin Daly.
Senator Murphy said he has stayed loyal to Fianna Fáil "through thick and thin" but the party refused to give him a nomination for the Seanad this time around.
Mr Murphy said he has had sleepless nights about making the decision to run as an independent, but he has to "put county before party".
"This is an opportunity for all Roscommon people to stand up for our county."
There are currently no Government TDs in the constituency of Roscommon-Galway.
Senator Murphy also confirmed that he had a discussion with Michael Fitzmaurice of Independent Ireland in recent days but no deal was made.
