THE Social Democrats have selected Catherine Stocker to challenge for a seat to represent the people of the Clontarf Local Electoral Area (LEA) on Dublin City Council, at next May's local elections.
The Dublin Bay North Social Democrats branch held a selection convention contested by Ms Stocker, community activist, branch secretary and Social Democrats National Executive member, and Paddy Monahan BL, Education Equality policy officer and campaigner for separation of church and State.
Ms Stocker lives in Donnycarney and is a mother to two young children. She was an active and founding member of the Dublin Bay North Together for Yes campaign and continues to engage with the group which is now campaigning as the Dublin Bay North Choice and Equality Network on issues from abortion legislation to secular education.
She is a committed member of her local community and serves on the committee of the Donnycarney West Community Association.
Ms Stocker said she is thrilled to be given the opportunity to run for a council seat on behalf of the Social Democrats.
“I firmly believe that we can deliver real improvements in people’s lives through grassroots activism, compassion and bold leadership,” she said.
“Local democracy is at its strongest when people work with others to improve our daily lives and our environment in ways big and small.
“I certainly will be keen to do what I can to work with like minded politicians in Dublin City Council to help make a difference in delivering on the issues that matter to families in our community from inclusive education to adequate and affordable housing provision.
“The politics of individualism have dominated for too long and has left many of our most vulnerable and marginalised people in situations of exclusion and deprivation.
“The Social Democrats believe in policy making that is compassion led, evidence based and grounded in long term planning – policy making that will deliver a society that respects the dignity of all of our citizens.”
Ms Stocker said the party’s co-leaders Catherine Murphy TD and Roisin Shortall TD both have a reputation for integrity and solution focused approaches that “look to the next generation not the next general election”.