John Devane, a prominent Limerick solicitor, has announced that he is to run in this summer's general election as an independent in Limerick East.
A well-known criminal defence lawyer, he has been involved in some of Limerick's most high-profile cases. Mr Devane has called for honesty, openness and integrity in politics.
"I'm totally dissatisfied with the present Government and certainly health issues need to be addressed," he said. "People are dying and there's nobody answerable.
As an MRSA sufferer, reforming the health service is a primary issue for him. "I've nearly died on a number of occasion as a result of the MRSA bug and I need to get answers. Nobody is getting any answers and I feel on the floor of the Dáil I might be better able to ensure that Irish people get answers."
Mr Devane fears, however, that his illness may prevent him from going on the campaign trail.
"I'm a bit cautious about that. I don't know if I can walk the streets of Limerick like a healthy politician as a result of MRSA but I'll do the best I can to get to as many doors as I can, but people always know where my door is."