Finbarr Filan, brother of former Westlife singer Shane Filan, is to run for Renua Ireland.

Mr Filan has confirmed he will be the general election candidate for the party headed by Lucinda Creighton. He will run in the Sligo-Leitrim constituency.

Mr Filan was a property developer and set up Shafin Developments with his brother Shane during the boom.

The firm took out a series of loans to construct a 90-home estate in Dromahair, Co Leitrim. The company went into receivership in 2012 and the pair were left with debt of €23 million.

Mr Filan said he welcomed the opportunity to be part of a political change.

“From my work in town and city centre management, I have experienced firsthand the frustration of the real time environment of retail business dealing with a monolith of a local authority.

“We need change and I would welcome the opportunity to be part of and help lead this change,” he said.

“I believe I have the character, personality, ability and life experience to win a seat for Renua in Sligo Leitrim.”