Independent candidate Peter Casey has pledged to donate his Oireachtas salary to charities in Donegal when he is elected to Dáil Éireann.

The businessman said: “When elected to Dáil Éireann, I will donate my salary to local charities in Donegal. The money will be used to support a number of charities and to providing an unprecedented level of service at my constituency office and response centre.

“The charities supported will include those which work to help children with learning difficulties. This is something very close to my heart as two of my own five children have learning challenges.”

During his campaign for the 2018 Irish presidential election, in which Mr Casey was runner-up, the businessman made a similar pledge.

“I promised to donate my salary during the presidential campaign and I am making that pledge once again. I think it’s important to show the people of Donegal that my genuine desire to represent and stand up for them is not at all about money.

“My heart is in Donegal and I’m committed to delivering for our county in Dáil Éireann. I would be honoured to represent the people of the county. I pledge to take a real business approach to getting things done in Donegal and will give my time freely. The money I’m paid for that service will be best used helping people who need it more than I do.”