So far, 15 candidates have declared their intention to run for the constituency.
A Laois councillor is to contest the upcoming general election for Labour.
Portlaoise's Noel Touhy is throwing his hat in the ring after party rep Eoin Barry decided not to enter the race last week.
The retired prison officer has been a member of the county council since 2014.
So far, 15 candidates have declared their intention to run in the Laois/Offaly constituency.