Third candidate decides not to contest election for Renua

A third candidate has opted against contesting the general electon for Renua Ireland.

Shane Dunphy has decided not to run for the recently formed party, which is lead by former Fine Gael minister of state Lucinda Creighton.

A Renua spokesman confirmed Mr Dunphy would not be contesting the general election but said he would remain a member of the party.

Mr Dunphy, who is a childcare expert, was due to contest the election in the Wexford constituency.

Jonathan Irwin, who was due to run in Kildare South, and James Charity, who was selected in Galway West, have also decided not to stand for the party.

In July Mr Charity announced he was leaving Renua, only two months after joining the party. He returned to being an Independent councillor.

Mr Irwin, founder of the Jack and Jill Foundation, said he decided to withdraw based on advice from his doctors but remained a strong supporter of Ms Creighton’s party.