Seanad hopefuls left out of Sinn Féin announcement

Sinn Fein said it had six candidates in the Seanad elections, overlooking two long-standing representatives.
Seanad hopefuls left out of Sinn Féin announcement

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Sinn Féin has defended a decision to leave two party candidates out of a list of its Seanad hopefuls by saying it wants to elect the strongest team possible.

The Sinn Féin representatives, Dublin Councillor Daithi Doolan and current Senator Paul Gavan, were both nominated for the Seanad Labour panel through the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

However, in a social media post announcing Sinn Féin’s candidates for the upcoming Seanad elections, former TD Chris Andrews and Laois-based representative Maria McCormack were listed and pictured as the party’s only hopefuls for the Labour Panel.

The Labour Panel elects 11 senators, at least four of whom must come from nominations through the Oireachtas and at least four through nominating bodies like ICTU.

Asked about the complete omission of Mr Doolan and Mr Gavan from the social media announcement, the Sinn Féin press office drew a distinction between candidates put forward by the party and those nominated through external bodies.

It confirmed Mr Doolan and Mr Gavan had independently received nominations from ICTU, while Mr Andrews and Ms McCormack were nominated by the party.

However, Mr Gavan had previously been included in the party’s candidate announcement for the 2020 Seanad elections, despite being put forward under the same external nomination process on that occasion.

European and local elections
Sinn Féin representative Paul Gavan (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Pressed on this discrepancy, a party spokesman told the PA news agency: “Our aim is to elect the strongest Sinn Féin team possible.”

Mr Doolan said he had successfully sought a nomination from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, having been an active member of Unite for more than 20 years.

He said: “I have a long track record of working with other union members and in the spirit of cross party co-operation on key issues, including Right to Water, support for Dublin Fire Brigade workers, and resolving the pension claims of local authority staff.

“I am confident this will attract support beyond Sinn Fein colleagues.”

Mr Gavan did not respond to a request for comment.

More in this section

Irish presidential election ‘I hardly know what day it is,’ says Humphreys over O’Farrell inquiry vote query
Co Offaly castle named in list of world's spookiest Halloween destinations Co Offaly castle named in list of world's spookiest Halloween destinations
Labour Alternative Budget 2026 Families making ‘impossible choice’ between heating and eating, Dáil told

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more