Gardaí are investigating a series of 'threatening or intimidating' messages sent to at least one general election candidate in the Cork East constituency.

Social Democrats candidate Ken Curtin says 'nasty and false' allegations have been made against his family - and has formally complained to gardaí.

It follows a separate bullying row within Sinn Féin in the constituency, which led to TD Sandra McLellan deciding not to contest her seat.

Social Democrats candidate Ken Curtin says threats and the theft and defacement of posters is 'undemocratic'.