Peter Casey will run for election in Dublin West so people can 'register disgust' at Leo Varadkar

Former presidential candidate Peter Casey will run for election against Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in his Dublin West constituency.

The businessman is also running for election in Donegal.

Speaking to media after submitting his nomination paper, Mr Casey denied the move was a stunt.

"It's not a stunt - obviously I am passionate about getting elected in Donegal, that's where my business is, that's where my home is, and I want to represent the people of Donegal," he said.

Asked why he is also running in Dublin West, Mr Casey said: "I am going to give people 10 reasons why they should not vote for Leo Varadkar.

"I think he'll go down as the worst Taoiseach in history.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (left) is greeted by former presidential candidate Peter Casey (right) after both handed in their nomination papers at the offices of the Dublin County Returning Officer in Finglas, Dublin (PA)

Peter Casey will run for election against Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in his Dublin West constituency, while also running in Donegal (PA)

"I want to give people in Dublin West the opportunity to register their disgust."

The Londonderry-born businessman finished second behind Michael D Higgins in the presidential election in 2018, securing 342,727 (23.3%) votes.

The other candidates running in Dublin West include Emer Currie (Fine Gael), Jack Chambers (Fianna Fail), Roderic O'Gorman (Green Party), Joan Burton (Labour), Ruth Coppinger (Solidarity-People Before Profit), Paul Donnelly (Sinn Fein), Aengus O Maolain (Social Democrat) and Edward McManus (Aontu).

Those running in Donegal include Charlie McConalogue (Fianna Fail), Pat "The Cope" Gallagher (Fianna Fail), Joe McHugh (Fine Gael), Martin Harley (Fine Gael), Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein), Padraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein), Thomas Pringle (Ind), Mary T Sweeney (Aontu), Maghnus Monaghan (Renua), John O'Donnell (Ind), Niall McConnell (Ind) and Michael White (Green).