THE National Party, led by Mrs Nora Bennis, is launching its general election programme today.
The party has already selected 16 candidates. Cllr Con O'Leary confirmed last night that he is to stand for the party in Cork North Central. He said he was particularly interested in representing the ordinary people of Cork, who were being neglected by all parties: "The way things are going, we're going to have nothing but millionaires in Leinster House who have no idea what's happening the ordinary man on the street."
Its manifesto will, according to the party, focus on honesty in politics, the family, crime, prison reform and the environment.
Among the other smaller parties contesting the election is Sinn Fein, with 15 candidates.
The Natural Law party is fielding candidates in 11 constituencies. The theme of its campaign is that living spontaneously in accord with natural law is the master key to unlock all barriers 10 national progress. Its policies aim to "liberate the untapped creativity and intelligence in Irish society".
The Socialist Workers Party is fielding four candidates, in Waterford and Dublin.
The newly formed Socialist Party is putting up its highest profile member, Cllr Joe Higgins, in Dublin West. Mr Higgins, a leading anti water charges campaigner, came within 370 votes of taking a by election seat last year.
The party has four other candidates, all in Dublin constituencies. It said the election will give ordinary people an opportunity to show contempt for the establishment parties because of their dealings with big business.
The Christian Solidarity Party has at least seven candidates - the minimum required to secure a party political broadcast on RTE.
Among the independent candidates is Mr Finian McGrath who is standing in Dublin North Central. Mr McGrath is an inner city primary school principal. He has been involved in mental health issues and is the chairman of the Downs Syndrome Association.
Arklow councillor Mr Nicky Kelly is standing in Wicklow, where he polled 4,500 first preferences in the 1995 by election.
Mr Kelly received a Presidential Pardon in 1993 following his wrongful conviction for the Sallins mail train robbery of 1976. He subsequently received a substantial settlement from the State.