Alleged Irish Crime Family Head Runs for Parliament Again

Gerard Hutch, identified by a court in 2023 as the head of a notorious Irish crime family, is to stand again for the Irish parliament, seeking a seat in a by-election next month after narrowly missing re-election 18 months ago.

Hutch, nicknamed "The Monk", is among the confirmed candidates for the Dublin Central constituency, where a seat vacated by former finance minister Paschal Donohoe will be decided on 22 May. He finished fifth in the four-member constituency in the 2024 general election and faces a tougher contest this time, as only one seat is available and the established parties are again competing.

Analysts say his ability to attract preferential votes from supporters of other candidates may also be a factor. "I think it's great to put someone in there with a chequered past. That's what we need", Hutch said.

He says he wants to represent people from poorer parts of the city who he feels are underrepresented. He rejects the court's characterisation of him as the group's leader.

(reuters, bak)