Fianna Fáil has dismissed claims from a now-former councillor that its leadership is failing young people.

The criticism came from Patrick McKee, who was today unveiled as Renua Ireland's candidate in the upcoming Carlow-Kilkenny by-election.

In a statement, Renua said: "He is part of Renua's drive to establish itself with strong, credible candidates in every constituency to give a real and serious alternative to Irish voters."

"Patrick who is a serving member of Kilkenny County Council has already formed a formidable election team which will be bolstered by Renua's bank of volunteers in Carlow-Kilkenny."

While Renua leader Lucinda Creighton added: "We said we would form a credible political alternative to the people of Ireland and by unveiling such a wonderful young candidate in Patrick McKee for Carlow-Kilkenny is only the start of showing our strength in depth as we grow rapidly around the country."

Fianna Fáil's Sean Fleming and Michael McGrath say they are confident to take the seat in Carlow-Kilkenny.

Mr McKee has accusing the hierarchy of his ex-party of failing to take on the change that is required.

Speaking to KCLR FM in Kilkenny, Councillor McKee says the Fianna Fáil leadership has questions to answer.

"The members of Fianna Fail - the ordinary decent people in the community, and the ordinary decent people in the community in every political party - are good people, they're committed to their communities" he said.

"But the hierarchy of Fianna Fail have failed to take on the change that's required, they've had several opportunities since the economic crash, they've failed to reform their structures".

"And I feel that I'm not prepared, as being a 26-year-old in my generation, to accept that" he added.

He told Newstalk Lunchtime rumours that he went to Sinn Féin first are simply not true.

However Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Niall Collins is not impressed.

He told the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk that he is expecting a 'robust' election campaign.