Gerard Hutch, known as The Monk, has announced plans to run for election in Ireland while under investigation in Spain for money laundering. The 61-year-old was granted bail of €100,000 and has regained his passport, allowing him to travel between the Canary Islands and Ireland. Hutch’s legal team stated that he requires the passport for his electoral ambitions. Despite his recent arrest, a magistrate in the Canary Islands declared that only a final ruling would impede his candidacy. Hutch previously faced serious charges in Ireland but was acquitted last year.