Labour select FAI coach educator as North Inner City candidate

Labour has selected FAI coach educator Tom O’Connor as their candidate for the North Inner City in the upcoming elections to Dublin City Council. 

O’Connor, who has lived in Sheriff Street for the past 45 years, was selected by Labour members at a convention to contest Joe Costello’s old seat in North Inner City.

A former soldier with the Army Ranger Wing, O’Connor has been involved in sports since he was young.

Having previously trained with Manchester United’s under 16s team, served as interim head coach for the Irish Women’s International Football Team, and as head coach of Ireland’s Under 16s Men’s International team, he is currently a coach educator with the FAI and is a member of the North Inner City Local Community Safety Partnership.

“It is an honour to have been selected by members of the Labour Party to fight the upcoming elections to Dublin City Council,” said O’Connor.

“I am Dublin born and bred and am proud of our communities in the North Inner City. I never thought I would run for election, but I have 6 children, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, so I understand the challenges of affordable housing and safety on our streets. I believe the North Inner City needs someone who will speak up for our community and that’s why I am going for goal for the community I am proud to call home.'”

O’Connor will be looking to retain the seat of Joe Costello, the long-term Labour Party representative who announced his retirement last year having served for 30 years as Councillor, Deputy Lord Mayor, Senator, TD and Minister.

”I am so proud that Tom, who has worn the green jersey all of his life, has decided to tog out for Labour ahead of the local elections in June,” said local Senator Marie Sherlock. ”Tom O’Connor is exactly what Dublin City Council needs right now, a new voice who is rooted in his community, speaking about issues that are relevant to the North Inner City, and with a radical ambition to fight for our inner city communities.”

O’Connor says he has outlined access to affordable housing, ensuring safety on inner city streets, and investing in community sporting and arts facilities as his platform for the local elections, scheduled for Friday, June 7.