Surprise as Independent TD Tom Fleming pulls out of General Election race

Mr Fleming, who is highly regarded in political circles, confirmed this evening that he has decided not to defend his seat.

The TD said he made the decision early in the New Year but did want it to “overshadow” the launch of the Independent Alliance.

He said he felt the recent boundary changes – which turned Kerry into a single five seat constituency – made his chances of retaining his seat more difficult.

“I felt I lost a lot of ground by not doing more canvassing last Autumn,” Mr Fleming told independent.ie.

“It is now a huge constituency and I felt I had a handicap as a result of the changes,” he added. Mr Fleming said an old ankle injury was also a factor behind his decision.