Former FG Junior Minister John Perry is to run as an Independent candidate in the Sligo / Leitrim constituency in the next general election, after failing to be nominated by Fine Gael.

The Ballymote man has served as a councillor, TD and Junior Minister.

Last week, Fine Gael added newly-elected Sligo County Councillor Thomas Walsh to the party ticket in the Sligo / Leitrim, North Roscommon, South Donegal constituency, to run alongside Senator Frank Feighan.

Councillor Walsh was a former parliamentary assistant to John Perry.

Mr Perry has now confirmed his intention to run as an independent candidate.