The Mayor of Cork County has confirmed he is to leave Fianna Fáil and run as an independent candidate.

Cllr Alan Coleman, who has been a lifelong member and a county councillor for 24 years, said he has become disillusioned with the party.

Mr Coleman had stood at the selection convention in the Cork South West constituency last weekend but withdrew his name before voting took place.

Speaking on Cork radio today, Mr Coleman said he would run in the next general election as an independent.

Currently Fine Gael and Labour hold all three seats in the constituency.

Bandon-based Margaret Murphy-O’Mahony secured the nomination for Fianna Fáil.

Mr Coleman has strong support in the constituency.