Lord Mayor Hazel Chu set to run as independent candidate in Seanad by-election

Lord Mayor of Dublin and Green Party chair Hazel Chu is set to run for the Seanad. 

She will not however run as an official party candidate in next month’s Seanad by elections.

In a letter to party members, Mayor Chu said:

“In the current climate it is important to have women and minorities represented at this election.

“This choice, as said, is a personal one, as is my candidacy.

“As you all know I have received more abuse this year than almost any other politician.

“Until we can show that it is normal that people from diverse backgrounds can be in political positions, this racism will continue.”

The Green Party has decided not to endorse a candidate for the election.

In statement, the party said:

“The Green Party’s Executive Committee decided against holding a selection convention to nominate a Green candidate. The party has not endorsed a candidate in this election.

“Cllr. Chu is not contesting the election as a Green Party candidate.”

Despite this Mayor Chu managed to pick up nominations from five Green TDs and one Senator.

One of her nominations was from deputy leader of the Green Party, Minister Catherine Martin.

Mayor Chu will run for a seat on the Industrial and Commercial panel in next months Seanad by election.

The by-elections come after the resignations of former Fine Gael junior minister Michael D’Arcy and Sinn Féin’s Elisha McCallion.