Bríd Smith to retire after next election

People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith has announced she will retire after the next general election.

Announcing her retirement this afternoon, Smith said “it has been a privilege to serve the people of the Dublin South Central constituency over the past 14 years as a TD and councillor and I will continue to be an active and vocal TD until the next general election.”

“I believe however that the next election is an opportunity for People Before Profit in Dublin South Central to promote a new generation of activists. ”

Smith has served as TD for Dublin South-Central since 2016, and prior to that, was a councillor representing the Ballyfermot-Drimnagh area from 2009 until 2016.

Prior to her time in elected office, Smith was a prominent trade unionist, served as a spokesperson for the Anti-Bin Tax Campaign, and was a vocal critic of the Lisbon Treaty.

Ballyfermot councillor Hazel de Nortúin has been chosen to succeed Smith in the constituency, which is regarded as one of the most left-leaning constituencies in the country.

De Nortúin said she has “big boots to fill” and that Smith has been “an inspiration to work with.”

“I feel a tremendous sense of pride having been selected to stand at the next general election for People Before Profit in the Dublin South Central area. I am originally from Cherry Orchard, but I look forward to campaigning on issues that affect everyone in all areas of Dublin South Central.

“I want to thank Bríd for all her hard work. By no means is she hanging up her boots politically, so I really look forward to working with her and the fantastic group of branches that we have in this area to build people power movements to bring about the radical change that is so desperately needed,” she added.

Smith was elected on the 2nd count in the 2020 general election in large part thanks to transfers from Sinn Féin candidate Aengus Ó Snodaigh, with Patrick Costello and Joan Collins also serving as TDs for the constituency.

The TD became the first TD to speak publicly about having an abortion, discussing the issue in the Dáil in 2017, saying that she was “never ashamed” of having the procedure carried out.

Smith was instrumental in getting a bill that would abolish the three-day waiting period as well as abolishing the 12-week limit for abortion past the second stage in the Dáil in recent weeks after Government TDs were granted a free vote on the issue.

Discussing her legacy, Smith said, “during my time as a public representative for the area I have been involved in numerous campaigns such as the water charges, bin tax, for marriage equality and the repeal of the Eighth Amendment.”

“I have been a voice for workers and trade union rights and have provided support to many striking workers. Most recently I have played a role in building the Ireland for All anti-racist initiative. I am also proud of my record as PBP’s Climate Spokesperson, promoting change to tackle the climate crisis such as banning exploration for oil and gas and ending the proliferation of data centres.”

“I would like to thank the people of Dublin South Central and the local People Before Profit branch for putting their trust in me over these years – it continues to be a privilege to serve this wonderful community,” she added.