Community activists to run in local elections

Three high-profile community activists have announced they will be running for a seat on Dublin City Council next month.

Damien Farrell, a long-time community activist and housing campaigner will run in the South West Inner City, Geraldine Molloy, a community activist and former Inner City Helping Homeless volunteer, will run in the North Inner City and Diarmuid ‘Dougie’Mac Dubhghlais, community activist and well-known homelessness activist, will run in Finglas/Ballymun.

Farrell stated “my political and community activism began well over two decades ago and over that period of time I have campaigned on many issues that affect working-class communities such housing, homelessness, water tax and community facilities. I believe electing real Independent community activists on the 7th June will help empower communities.”

Molloy said “I continue to support and represent those affected by homelessness as I did when I volunteered with Inner City Helping Homeless. I still run a weekly clinic to help locals with housing. As a long-time community activist I believe I am well placed to represent my community if elected on the 7^th June.”

Mac Dubhghlais said “as a voice of those suffering from food poverty, homelessness and those with various disabilities, I intend to continue to highlight this unacceptable situation. I have been quoted in Leinster House for the abysmal treatment meted out to the rough-sleepers on the streets of Dublin and I hope to be a strong voice for the marginalised of his community and further afield.”

The activists have received the backing of sitting councillors Sophie Nicoullaud, Pat Dunne and Cieran Perry.

Nicoullaud said “with housing being the biggest issue facing communities it is important that we have experienced housing activists elected”

Dunne said “the addition of Geraldine, Damien and Dougie to Dublin City Council would be a tremendous help to us sitting councillors in fighting for more public housing and facilities for our communities. United communities across Dublin makes us stronger”

Perry said he was “honoured” to support the candidates.

“I’ve worked with each of them over a long time and they battle for their communities every single day. They deserved to have a platform on the council to represent their communities.”