Independent Ireland to run Dáil candidates in Dublin

Despite being only formed late last year, Independent Ireland proved to be one of the success stories of June’s local elections after winning over 20 seats nationwide and saw one of their candidates, Ciaran Mullooly, elected to the European Parliament.

Mainly considered a rural-based party, the party defied expectations by winning two seats in South Dublin – Phil Sutcliffe Sr in Ballyfermot-Drimnagh and Linda De Courcy in Clondalkin.

De Courcy’s victory was all the more striking as she received more first preferences than any of Sinn Féin’s four candidates in the constituency, which is the backyard of party TD Eoin Ó Broin.

De Courcy will run for the party in Dublin Mid-West as it looks to add to its three existing Dáil seats.

De Courcy said her campaign would focus on tackling immigration, which she describes as “out of control.”

She said that Clondalkin is undergoing “rapid demographic changes,” and local resources are being misused.

“The Crooksling centre, which was gifted to be a care home for elderly locals, has been repurposed for young migrant men. This isn’t right for our community, and we need real change,” she claimed.

The councillor said that the cost of living crisis is also a major topic for her, claiming that carbon taxes “provide no environmental benefit” and that families and businesses are struggling as a result.

“Meanwhile, the government is bending over backwards to accommodate people who arrive without documentation while threatening to jail Irish citizens for not paying a TV license. We need common sense policies to prioritise our citizens,” she said.

“The current government has lost the faith of many people who now believe nothing can be done except build bike shelters and tents for migrants. Our streets are seeing more violence, and our cities are in decline. I believe a proactive government can turn this around.”

As for what the party looks to do for Dublin, considering it is largely a rural-based party, she said “Dublin should be a capital city we are all proud of, and we need to promote Ireland’s strengths to the world.”

With Dublin Mid-West becoming a 5-seater at the next general election, De Courcy joins existing TDs Eoin Ó’Broin and Mark Ward of Sinn Féin, Fine Gael Minister Emer Higgins, Shane Moynihan and Lynda Prendergast of Fianna Fáil, independent councillor and former TD Paul Gogarty, Green candidate Jithin Ran, Social Democrats councillor Eoin O’Broin and Irish Freedom Party councillor Glen Moore on the ballot paper.

Independent Ireland’s European candidate Niall Boylan ended up being the surprise package of Dublin’s Euro race, ultimately ending up in 5th place in the competitive four-seater.

Party leader Michael Collins said “Linda has proven to be a strong voice for her community, and I have no doubt she will bring the same passion and commitment to the national stage. Since she was elected as councillor she has been a strong voice for the people of Clondalkin and Dublin Mid-West needs a leader like her to stand up for common sense policies and for Irish citizens.”

Fellow TD Richard O’Donoghue TD said “Linda represents exactly what Independent Ireland is about. She speaks her mind, stands up for her community, and is determined to fix the cost of living, immigration and housing crises. I am proud to support her.”

“This election is about restoring pride in our country, tackling the challenges head-on, and building a future that works for all Irish people. I’m ready to take this fight to the Dáil and stand up for what’s right.”