Fitzpatrick to contest Dublin Central in next general election

Fianna Fáil has selected Senator Mary Fitzpatrick as their general election candidate for Dublin Central.

Fitzpatrick will look to make it 4th time lucky having previously run in the constituency in 2011, 2016 and 2020.

Elected as a Senator in 2020, Fitzpatrick will look to take a seat in the 4-seater which includes Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Fine Gael Minister Paschal Donohoe, Green Party rebel Neasa Hourigan and Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.

“The world has changed dramatically since the last General Election.  At the next General Election voters will choose between voting for a government led by a democratic, liberal and inclusive party or a government led by an undemocratic, nationalist, socialist party,” she said.

“Democracy is under attack all around the world.  Now more than ever we need strong, democratic, and liberal voices in the Dáil.”

“Dublin Central needs a strong, liberal, progressive TD to champion all that’s great about our constituency and drive sustainable progress.”

Fitzpatrick noted that Dublin Central has not elected a Fianna Fáil TD since 2011, with the constituency being the former stomping ground of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

“It is thirteen years since Dublin Central elected a Fianna Fáil TD and in that time, far too often, the personal political ambitions of TDs for the constituency have taken precedence over the constituencies needs,” she stated.

“As a TD for Dublin Central the constituency will always be my first priority.”

Fitzpatrick touted her achievements since being elected as a Senator in 2020, saying “since I was appointed to the Seanad in 2020, I have worked closely with Government to bring real change to Dublin Central in housing, urban regeneration, education and health.”

“For over a decade, no homes were built in Dublin Central. Now, there are more than 2,500 social and affordable homes under development right across the constituency.”

“Like all constituencies Dublin Central has its challenges. But since Fianna Fáil entered Government in 2020 I have used my role in the Seanad to drive positive change for Dublin Central. To challenge the failings and build on the potential. I believe there is huge opportunity for us to increase the pace and capacity of sustainable development in Dublin Central.

“At the next General Election, I will ask voters to give me their vote to back positive, liberal, inclusive change. I will ask voters to reject the tired and toxic negative narrative of the opposition that always seeks to exploit division and disadvantage. I will ask voters in Dublin Central to give me their support to champion all that’s great about Dublin Central and challenge all that needs fixing”.