Candidate pledges to donate at least €20,000 of salary to charities

In a statement to The Echo, Peter said: “The situation has improved significantly since then, many had their medical cards returned to them and much wider discretion is now being exercised.

“I was appointed to the National Clinical Advisory Group as a patient representative . . . however, I have decided to step aside from both Our Children’s Health and the Advisory Group to run as an Independent Candidate in the next General Election.”

Expressing why he is running as a candidate, Peter said: “I love Ireland, it is for me a great country. “The same cannot be said for the State – the State that should act in the common good for us all and seek to protect the most vulnerable.

“There is no doubt that cuts were inescapable following the severity of the financial crisis, the issue I have is where the axe fell. The amounts saved were often insignificant, but the hardship caused still stings.”

He added: “I am not in this for any kind of financial gain – if the people see fit to elect me, I will donate at least €20,000 of the TD’s salary, after tax, to worthy non-political charities within the constituency. Health, housing and education, they are my key priorities.

“If elected, I will work every day to highlight the issues as I see them and put forward realistic solutions. 
“I will engage constructively. I will be honest. I will listen to the people of Dublin South West.”