Rainbow George bets on himself

Mr Weiss is rumoured to have booked the Ulster Hall

A candidate who is standing for four of Northern Ireland's seats in the general election has launched his manifesto in a bookmakers shop.

Rainbow George Weiss of the Vote for Yourself Party said no-one from the media turned up.

Despite this he took the opportunity to place a bet on himself after he received odds of 30,000-to-1 against him winning all four Belfast constituencies from Eastwood's bookmakers on the city's Ormeau Road.

Eastwood's manager Billy Molloy confirmed that Mr Weiss bet £33.33 with the stipulation that should he win the pot will go to three local charities.

Rainbow George Weiss

Mr Molloy said George had arrived at a fairly quiet time of the day and described him as "a real character with the gift of the gab".

Mr Weiss said "I think they have given me rather good odds," and added that he had even paid his tax on the bet.

In order to stand in the four Belfast seats Mr Weiss has handed over £2,000 pounds in deposit money.

He needs to win 5% of the votes cast in each constituency to get his money back.

In the event of him winning more than one seat the rules declare he would have a week to make up his mind which constituency to represent.

Comedian Peter Cook

It has been rumoured that Mr Weiss has booked the Ulster Hall for a victory party four days before the election.

Rainbow George has described himself as a friend of musician Ian Dury and comedian Peter Cooke.