Gibney to run in Dublin Rathdown for Soc Dems

Sinéad Gibney has been selected by the Social Democrats to represent the party in Dublin Rathdown in the General Election.

Gibney most recently appeared on the ballot for the party in June’s European elections, where she finished 9th out of a candidate of 23, receiving 4.3% of first preferences.

Prior to her bid for Europe, she ran for the party in Blackrock in the 2019 local elections.

Gibney’s selection marks the first time the Social Democrats have appeared on the ballot in Dublin Rathdown, a tight 3-seater which currently has two Fine Gael and one Green TD among its ranks.

The consistency will become a 4-seater at the upcoming general election.

Catherine Martin topped the poll in 2020 with 21.2% of first preferences, followed by Fine Gael’s Neale Richmond on 15.9% and Josepha Madigan’s 15.3%.

Dublin Rathdown is among the most socially liberal constituencies in Ireland, with the selection of Gibney an indication of the kind of voter the Soc Dems want to win over in the next general election.

Prior to a career in politics, Gibney’s CV consisted of roles at Google and Trinity College, and stepped down from her role as Chief Commissioner at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) ahead of her European bid.

The prominent human rights advocate was officially confirmed as a candidate at a selection convention on Sunday evening (July 21) in the Dropping Well, Milltown.

Gibney said “I am honoured to have been selected to stand in Dublin Rathdown at the next General Election for the Social Democrats; I am so excited to begin my campaign and fight hard for the chance to represent the people of Dublin Rathdown as a strong and progressive voice in Dáil Éireann.”

“I have lived in the area for most of my life and have been extremely fortunate to live so close to my family while raising my daughter and I know the value that family connection brings to our lives and to our communities.”

She said the cost of living, along with skyrocketing rents and house prices are a driving motivator of her campaign.

“Young people today – like those of my daughter’s generation – may not have the same opportunity to live and work in our community unless things start to change,” she said.

“We need to see a big step change in how housing policy is approached, to improve affordability.”

“As a TD, I will be a strong advocate for investment in our community, especially in public services like childcare and transport.”

Welcoming Gibney’s selection, Social Democrats Deputy Leader Cian O’Callaghan said “we are delighted to have Sinéad running for the Social Democrats in Dublin Rathdown. She would be an incredible representative for the people of her constituency in Leinster House.”

“Sinéad is somebody who stands up for equality, for disability rights and workers’ rights. She will be a passionate advocate for the change that we need.

“We wish her every success in her campaign and look forward to working with her and her team to elect a Social Democrat TD in Dublin Rathdown.”

Gibney is the second Social Democrats candidate to declare their candidacy for the upcoming general election in as many days, with councillor Eoin Ó’Bróin – not to be confused with the Sinn Féin TD and housing spokesperson – being announced as the party’s Dáil candidate in Dublin Mid-West.