Flynn, who was expelled from Fianna Fail in 2004, said that if she is re-elected, she will back the party that offers the best deal for her constituency.

"I will not be taken for granted by any party and that includes Fianna Fail. So despite the fact that my philosophy is from a Fianna Fail background, I intend to do what is in the best interests of the people of Mayo, " Flynn told the Sunday Tribune.

With the latest opinion polls showing an electoral cliffhanger between the current coalition and a Fine Gael-led alternative, the votes of independent TDs may be crucial. When asked about supporting Fine Gael, Flynn said, "I'm ruling nothing in and I'm ruling nothing out."

The Independent TD also spoke about the 3m legal bill which she faces after her unsuccessful libel case against RTE. "I don't believe it will be an issue come the election, " she predicted.