Labour select Ó Ríordáin for Europe

Labour has selected Dublin Bay North TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin as its candidate for Dublin for the 2024 European Parliament elections.

Ó Ríordáin saw off competition from Senator Annie Hoey and Fingal County Council member Rob O’Donoghue to secure the nomination, and is looking to become Labour’s first MEP from Dublin since Emer Costello.

Ó Ríordáin said “this is a crucial time for Europe, and Dublin needs a candidate that will fight for a fairer city. I want to be a voice for Dublin at a European level.”

“As a capital, we punch above our weight. Dublin is an iconic city steeped in history, but I am conscious also of the struggles that many Dubliners face.”

He said that Dublin is “not working” and wanted to work with colleagues in the S&D Group to change that.

Explaining what could be done at a European level as opposed to a Dáil level, he said: “at a European level, you can be a voice for a fairer approach to things like renters’ rights, as well as learn from best practices in finding housing solutions.”

“I feel like a broken record saying it, but housing remains a massive challenge that this Government has failed to tackle. With the average rent in Dublin now at €2,300, nearly 60% of the national median monthly income, people are finding that it is literally impossible to save for a mortgage and pay rent.

Ó Ríordáin faces a challenge to get elected in June, with other progressive candidates on the ballot.

Sinn Féin will be running former MEP and current Senator Lynn Boylan alongside veteran Dublin City Council member Daithí Doolan, People Before Profit announced that TD Bríd Smith will be their European candidate, incumbent Green MEP Ciáran Cuffe announced he will be seeking re-election last September, Clare Daly is running again for Independents4Change, and the Social Democrats have yet to announce who their candidate will be.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik that that the S&D Group in the European Parliament is the only group that can “challenge the ideology of the EPP led by Ursula Von Der Leyen and Labour will fight for every vote in June.”

“Labour believes in a future that is fair and sustainable. Having a seat at the table in the European Parliament will be crucial as we face profound social and economic challenges in the years ahead.

“Over the past almost five years, we have seen the need to have a strong and sensible socialist voice at a European level. That’s why I’m determined that Labour win a seat to ensure that a voice for solidarity, fairness and equality for all of Dublin.”