Former justice minister Alan Shatter to run as independent in general election

James Cox

Former Fine Gael justice minister Alan Shatter has announced he will run as an independent candidate in the upcoming general election.

Mr Shatter will run in the Dublin-Rathdown constituency.

He said he decided to "throw my name in the ring" after being urged to do so by residents in the constituency.

Mr Shatter served as justice minister between 2011 and 2014, stepping down from the position after receiving a report into allegations made by Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe.

Mr Shatter, 73, served as a TD for 30 years before losing his seat in the 2016 general election.

He has recently been involved in a campaign for the abolition of inheritance tax.

Mr Shatter said this is an issue he would push if he is re-elected to the Dáil.

“In the Dáil, we need independent politicians you can rely upon to tell you the truth, even when it is difficult,” Mr Shatter said in a campaign leaflet.

He said there is a need for a “political culture that is not ageist, embraces wisdom, values experience and unequivocally rejects racism and antisemitism”.

Mr Shatter also criticised the Government over issues in the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and the cost of the National Children's Hospital.