Soc Dems pick candidate for Dublin South-West

The Social Democrats have announced that Ross O’Mullane, founding member of non-profit organisation Democracy International, will be their candidate in Dublin South-West.

Originally from Rathfarnham and living in Perrystown, O’Mullane has been involved with the party since their 2015 launch and has worked with the party on previous general election campaigns.

O’Mullane is a founding member of Democracy International, a pan-European non-profit organisation that promotes citizen participation in politics and more recently set up Fernhill, Mountdown and Limekiln Residents’ Association.

He has been involved with the Social Democrats since their launch in 2015 and has assisted the party during previous general election campaigns.

O’Mulanne said “I am honoured to be standing in the forthcoming general election for the Social Democrats, a party whose values so closely align with my own.”

“I genuinely believe the Social Democrats are best placed to tackle the urgent issues facing our country, such as the housing crisis, the need for better access to healthcare and disability services, as well as improved public services to support working families and those who need it most.

“Under the leadership of Holly Cairns, the party has entered an exciting new chapter and is ready to be part of the political change that this country so badly needs. I want to be part of that change on behalf of the people of Dublin South-West.”

Cairns said she was “delighted” that O’Mulanne will be lining out for the party in Dublin South-West.

“Through his involvement with the party since its inception, I know that she shares our values of equality and social justice,” she said.

“Ross would make an exceptional TD for this constituency and be an important new voice in politics for the people of Dublin South-West.”

“I wish Ross every success with his election campaign and look forward to working with him.”

The Social Democrats contested Dublin South-Wert for the first time in the 2020 general election, with their candidate, Carly Bailey, securing 4.1% of first preferences.

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe was the big winner in the constituency in 2020, securing just shy of 30% of first preferences.

After being bumped up to a five-seater in 2016, Dublin South-West has gained a reputation for being one of the most topsy-turvy constituencies in the country.

Current TDs for the area include Crowe, People Before Profit’s Paul Murphy, Colm Brophy of Fine Gael, John Lahart of Fianna Fáil and Noel Francis Duffy of the Greens.

O’Mulanne joins already declared candidates such as Crowe and running mate Niamh Whelan, Lahart, Brophy and Duffy along with new candidates Alan Edge (independent councillor), Labour councillor Ciarán Ahern, Fianna Fáil councillor Teresa Costello, and Fine Gael councillor Sarah Barnes.