The founder of the Jack and Jill Foundation has announced he will contest the next general election in 2016.

Jonathan Irwin made the announcement at the launch of his autobiography this afternoon.

Mr Irwin - who is 73 and is married to the Independent Senator Mary Ann O'Brien - will stand in the Kildare South constituency.

He also urges other independents around the country to stand for election too in 2016.

He's been speaking to Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Páraic Gallagher:

Jonathan Irwin says he wants to "break this thiefdom of the main parties" saying that the recent controversy with the appointment of a Fine Gael candidate in the Seanad by-election to a state board was the last straw.

He is also encouraging other people with independent minds around the country to put themselves forward for election in 2016.

Mr Irwin's book "Jack & Jill: The Jonathan Irwin Story" was launched in Dublin today by the businessman Denis O'Brien.

Jonathan Irwin, his wife Senator Mary Ann O'Brien and businessman Denis O'Brien

"I suppose Jonathan's story is a commentary of Ireland from the 1960's onward" said Mr O'Brien at the launch today.

Mr Irwin's book is available in bookstores and on jackandjill.ie

All proceeds from the book will be going to the Jack and Jill Foundation.