Vincent Beirne, from Fairymount, says he's running as an 'anti-Government' candidate.

Sinn Féin's popularity continues to slide down, with more than 50 percent of the over 1000 people surveyed saying they're not fit for government.

The Independent councillor was re-elected to Roscommon County Council in June receiving close to 1,400 first preference votes.

Sligo councillor Edel McSharry is the party's only confirmed candidate in the constituency so far, after winning a selection convention in August.

The Independent recently organised a protest rally against rural crime in Castlerea.

Independent councillor Paul Hogan was first elected to the council in 2004 at the age of 21 and had the distinction of being the youngest Mayor of Athlone.

She ran in the local elections earlier this year receiving 122 first preference votes in the Manorhamilton LEA.

The foundation has this morning confirmed that she would be taking a leave of absence from the date the election is announced.