Gerry Hutch has labelled the housing crisis “disgraceful” and vowed to prioritise homelessness if elected. 

The independent candidate, who is out on bail following an international investigation into money laundering by the Hutch Organised Crime Group, is standing in his native Dublin Central. 

When he encountered Newstalk’s Henry McKean on Sheriff Street, close to where he grew up, Hutch said he wanted to help locals “as much as possible” and dismissed claims that his candidacy was not serious. 

“There’s no sense in running if you’re not going to be genuine and truthful,” he said. 

“If I get elected, I’ll do what I can.” 

'Maybe I should have ran for politician when I was 20'.

Gerry Hutch talks hiking, affordable housing, and regrets, on the latest episode of Henry's Front Bench. pic.twitter.com/LAlb9QesEM

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) November 26, 2024

When pressed what cause he would champion in Dáil Éireann, Hutch said would have one main priority. 

“Homelessness, housing for the people - affordable housing,” he said. 

“People cannot get on the property ladder; we need affordable housing.

“Someone who is starting to get on the property ladder has to be earning 120 grand a year. 

“It’s disgraceful; it’s not for the people around here.” 

An election poster on Talbot Street. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie

Plenty of homes in Sheriff Street have Hutch No. 1 posters and the candidate said he is standing because of popular demand. 

“The people have asked me to run,” he said. 

“They’ve asked me to run over the years and, lately, they’ve pushed and pushed me - and I’m running.” 

Gerry Hutch in his van with posters. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

In fact, Hutch said he only wished he had got involved in politics sooner. 

“Maybe I should have run as a politician when I was 20,” he said. 

“I’m coming out of semi-retirement to do this for the people. 

“I could just chill out and not do it but they’re pushing me into it.” 

Other high profile candidates in the constituency include Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, Fine Gael Minister Paschal Donohoe, Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats, Neasa Hourigan of the Greens and former Dublin MEP Clare Daly. 

You can find out who is most likely to take the constituency’s four seats by listening to Newstalk’s Calling It podcast with Ivan Yates and Seán Defoe. 

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Main image shows Gerry Hutch. Picture by: RollingNews.ie