Michael Fitzmaurice says standing by his supporters is more important than the risk of remaining in the Roscommon/Galway constituency.
Independent Ireland Deputy Fitzmaurice had been widely tipped to stand in Galway East due to boundary revisions which removed thousands of his votes.
But he says he's opting for the tougher road, and standing by the area that's supported him over the past 10 years.
Independent Ireland has announced that Williamstown Councillor Declan Geraghty will instead contest the Galway East constituency.
Deputy Fitzmaurice says the party is looking to build a strong cohesive team that will champion rural issues across the entire West.
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