Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae has denied that signing nomination papers for Maria Steen is about appeasing supporters of his with conservative views.
Ms Steen must secure the signatures of 20 Oireachtas members to contest the election, or backing from four county councils.
Independent Kerry TD and Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae has signed her nomination papers, but he insists he fully supports and will be voting for Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys.
Maria Steen is a qualified barrister and member of the Catholic advocacy group the Iona Institute, and is described as a conservative campaigner.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, says nominating Ms Steen is not about himself and is purely in the interest of democracy.
Meanwhile, Michael Healy-Rae says he does not agree with a proposal by fellow Minister of State Robert Troy that working people should be prioritised for social housing.
Robert Troy has clarified he is not trying to exclude those with a disability, carers, or a parent who doesn’t have access to childcare.
Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae says the proposal isn’t fair.
