Gerry Hutch considers standing in general election to unseat Mary Lou McDonald

Prominent gangland figure Gerry Hutch is considering running as an independent in the upcoming general election, in the hope of unseating Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.

Mr Hutch was acquitted last year of organising the Regency Hotel gun attack which accelerated the Hutch-Kinahan feud.

The 61-year-old is examining the possibility of running in Dublin Central, a four-seat constituency comprising the north inner city where he grew up.

Rumours have spread over the last week that Mr Hutch was considering a Dáil run.

On Sunday, a number of sources confirmed to The Irish Times that he has been contemplating contesting the election for the last several weeks and is close to a decision.

One source told the newspaper that one of Mr Hutch’s primary motivations is to take votes away from Sinn Féin, which is currently significantly down in the polls and dealing with several controversies.

Mr Hutch has 30 previous convictions and is believed to be behind some of the largest robberies in the history of the State.

Members of the Hutch family did not respond to a request for comment when contacted on Sunday.

Mr Hutch splits his time between his home in Dublin and the Spanish island of Lanzarote.