Jack and Jill founder will not run for Renua

Renua Ireland has ruled out running finance guru Eddie Hobbs in Kildare South after children’s charity boss Jonathan Irwin announced his decision to opt out of competing there at the next general election.

Party sources confirmed Mr Irwin had decided in recent weeks that due to health reasons he would not be contesting the three-seater.

The founder of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation was one of the favourites to win a seat for Lucinda Creighton’s new party.