Independent Ireland will be running two candidates in the Dublin South Central constituency in the upcoming general election.
The party will be running their Dublin City Council member Philip Sutcliffe as well as Rebecca Hendrick.
Sutcliffe ran in two constituencies in June’s local elections – Ballyfermot-Drimnagh and Kimmage-Rathmines – and won a seat in the former.
Both constituencies fall within Dublin South Central at a local level.
In Ballyfermot-Drimnagh, Sutcliffe won 6.7% of first preferences and 5.1% of first preferences in Kimmage-Rathmines.
Sutcliffe notably represented Ireland in boxing in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics, and is known locally for his involvement with the Crumlin boxing club.
Hendrick will be fighting her first election, having joined the party in recent months.
The Independent Ireland statement describes Hendrick as a “dedicated community advocate and volunteer who brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities and a strong commitment to fighting for better opportunities for all.”
Sutcliffe said, “I am passionate about continuing my work on a larger scale.”
“I feel that the current government is not listening to the people, and I aim to deliver a voice of honesty and authenticity to Dáil Éireann for the people of Dublin South Central. Our community deserves leadership that genuinely cares and takes action to bring about real change. I am thoroughly enjoying working for my community since being elected to Dublin City Council and it has highlighted the need for real change at the national level.”
Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said “Phillip is a true leader, both in and out of the ring. ”
“He was the first Independent Ireland candidate to be elected to Dublin City Council and his work and his commitment to his community has been evident since he took up his position.”
“His tireless work with youth, and his passion for helping those in need make him the ideal candidate for Dublin South Central. His integrity and experience will be a huge asset to the Dáil. We are honoured to have him represent Independent Ireland in this important constituency.”
Hendrick said “I grew up in a disadvantaged community where I witnessed firsthand the effects of limited resources, poor education, and lack of support on people’s lives”
“I’ve experienced first hand the devastating effects of being raised in an underprivileged area and the effects on families of incarceration and untimely deaths, and I understand the toll this takes on families and mental health. For a long time, I believed my worth was tied to where I came from, but I refused to let that define me.”
“I’m committed to ensuring that others in similar situations have the resources and support to achieve their full potential. As a boxing coach and community volunteer, I work with young people and those with additional needs, guiding them toward positive paths and helping them see their limitless potential,” she said.
The party, which currently has 3 TDs, 24 councillors and an MEP to its name since forming last November, is looking to expand on its strong start to life in the general election, with the party also running a candidate, councillor Linda de Courcy, in Dublin Mid-West.
Typically seen as a rural party, Independent Ireland defied expectations in June’s local elections by getting two councillors elected in Dublin, and their European candidate, radio DJ Niall Boylan, being the final candidate to lose out on the Euro ballot.
Sutcliffe and Hendrick joining the ballot in Dublin South Central now means that 13 candidates will appear on the ballot in the 4-seater.
3 of the incumbent TDs – 2020’s poll-topper Aengus O’Snodaigh of Sinn Féin, Green TD Patrick Costello and Right2Change TD Joan Collins – are seeking re-election.
People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith announced last summer that she would not be standing for re-election, with councillor Hazel De Nortúin running to retain the seat.
Other local elected reps gearing up for a Dáil run include Social Democrats councillor Jen Cummins, Labour councillor Darragh Moriarty, Fianna Fáil Senator Catherine Ardagh, Fine Gael Senator Mary Seery-Kearney, and Sinn Féin councillor Maire Devine being brought in as O’Snodaigh’s running mate.
Aontú’s European candidate Aisling Considine and Irish Freedom Party candidate Barry Ward round out the ballot paper.