Singer Frances Black runs for Seanad

DUBLIN based social entrepreneur and singer Frances Black is seeking election to Seanad Éireann as an Independent candidate

Frances, a founder and CEO of the Rise Foundation that supports families who have a loved one with an alcohol, drug or gambling problem, is running on a platform of giving a voice for the vulnerable in society.

 “Through this work and from meeting other professionals in the voluntary and charity sector, I have come to realise that the vulnerable in society need a voice in the Seanad,” she said.

“I believe a society should be judged by how it treats its people, whether they are impacted by addiction, suicide or mental health issues, or are disabled, sick, homeless or elderly.

“We all know about these issues impacting on our vulnerable citizens, but we need to ensure this is discussed and action taken at a national level.”

Frances said she recognises the valuable contribution community organisations and their volunteers contribute to making Ireland a place where we look after the most vulnerable.

 “These organisations have suffered significant cuts in recent years and we need to ensure that this funding is restored to local communities in order to ensure that front line services are open, available and sustainable,” she added.

Frances has been endorsed by Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan who said she is proud to be supporting Frances Black in her campaign to be elected to the Seanad.

“Frances, founder of the Rise Foundation, has been a passionate, tireless voice and dedicated in her work for those whose lives have been devastated by an alcohol or drug addiction of a loved one,” Deputy O’Sullivan said.

“The Rise Foundation, through the vision and commitment of Frances, is making a huge difference through their programmes and services.

Frances in the Seanad, with those of us also involved in the area of addiction, will make a difference and ensure that addiction is a priority in the 32nd Dáil.”

Frances’s bid for a Seanad seat has also been endorsed by Sr Stan Kennedy, the founder and Life President of Focus Ireland, who added: “She is a dedicated campaigner and never loses an opportunity to advocate on behalf of the people in the most difficult of situations.

“Through her very successful career as a singer, she has contact with thousands of fans. And she uses every occasion to remind these fans and others of the suffering, hardship and isolation of people on the margins.

“Her voice in the Seanad will be the voice for the voiceless, and as a result I fully endorse her candidacy in the Industrial and Commercial Panel.”

Frances has been nominated by the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland.