INDEPENDENT TD JOHN Halligan is to publish a collection of his poetry later this month.

The Waterford TD told TheJournal.ie that his poetry is based on his experiences in politics.

Halligan was first elected to the Dáil in 2011 but previously served as a Waterford City Councillor for 12 years.

“It’s based on my experiences in politics, so far I’ve sent it off to a few people and it has been reasonably well received,” he said.

“It’s no big deal, but is something I’ve always wanted to do. If I make a few bob off it I’ll give the money to charity.”

The book will be introduced by the Waterford playwright Jim Nolan while Halligan says that his fellow independent TD, Shane Ross, will launch it at an event in Waterford towards the end of the month.

“It’s a personal thing outside of politics based on my political life, people I’ve met. There are poems on anti-social behaviour, the suicide of a member of family, on the banks and so on,” Halligan added.

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