Former FG TD Noel Rock seeks to run for party in election

Former Fine Gael TD Noel Rock has confirmed he is seeking to be the party's Dublin North West candidate in the upcoming general election.

In a statement, Mr Rock - who was a TD for the constituency between 2016 and 2020 - said he wants to push for "positive changes" in the area.

"My top priority is to ensure the creation of a Department of Infrastructure to focus on the big projects that Dublin desperately needs, including MetroLink and the extension of the Luas to Finglas which I advocated for throughout my time as a TD.

"We need to focus on the future and on the big picture.

"I've never been afraid to take on the big challenges, and I’ve always been committed to delivering real results for Dublin North West.

"I want to make sure that people in the area have every possible opportunity in life given to them - and I’m a big believer that urban mobility and social mobility go hand in hand," he said.

Dublin North West is currently represented by Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe, Social Democrats TD Róisín Shortall and Sinn Féin TD Dessie Ellis.

Ms Shortall is not seeking re-election.