Alan Shatter. Photo: Steve Humphreys
FORMER justice minister Alan Shatter has confirmed that he intends to run as an Independent candidate in the General Election.
He acknowledged that he is responsible for a leaflet dropped in the Dublin-Rathdown constituency that indicates he is running again for the Dáil — which could result in a sensational return.
Mr Shatter has held public meetings in the constituency, which is due to increase to four seats from three.
The former Minister for Justice confirmed his candidature to the Irish Independent tonight, but did not offer further comment.
In the leaflet distributed in the constituency, Mr Shatter warns against ageism. He is 73 and left the Dáil eight years ago. The leaflet is badged with ‘Vote 1’.
“In the Dáil, we need independent politicians you can rely upon to tell you the truth, even when it is difficult,” the leaflet says.
It stresses the need for a politics that is not ageist, but which “embraces wisdom, values experience and unequivocally rejects racism and antisemitism”.
The former TD, who still makes occasional TV appearances, allowed his membership of Fine Gael to lapse in 2018.
Political comeback? Alan Shatter called for an end to the ‘jealousy and resentment tax’ at the event he organised in Goatstown, Dublin
Mr Shatter has headed a campaign for the abolition of inheritance tax. In the recent Budget, Finance minister Jack Chambers did not reduce the rate of tax, which continues to stand at 33pc.
Instead he raised the threshold before the tax applies, from €335,000 for a related individual to €400,000.
