Gildea withdraws from general election race

Independent TD Tom Gildea has withdrawn his candidacy for the upcoming general election and is believed to have nominated his secretary, Gwen Breslin, to stand in his place.

The former school caretaker, who was elected in Donegal south-west in 1997, informed a group of supporters about his decision at a meeting held last week.

Mr Gildea is infamous for an attack he launched on former Fine Gael Justice Minister Nora Owen in the Dail last year.

He also declined to vote in favour of a public inquiry into allegations of garda corruption in Donegal.

A TG4/MRBI poll conducted earlier this year showed Gildea’s support falling to below 5%.