Equality and rights activist Sinéad Gibney will launch her Social Democrats general election campaign for the Dún Laoghaire constituency tonight at a public event mc’d by comedian Des Bishop.
Sinéad, a lifelong activist and campaigner, recently played a very active role in Dún Laoghaire Together for Yes.
Sinéad served as the inaugural Director of the Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission from 2014 to 2016 and before that she built and led the Corporate Social Responsibility function for Google Ireland.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s event in the Mellow Fig café in Blackrock, Sinéad said:
“I am delighted to be contesting the next general election for the Social Democrats in Dún Laoghaire. My recent experience canvassing for Repeal in the constituency shows the power of a grass-roots movement like the Social Democrats to deliver progressive change.
“I firmly believe that Irish people want to see a fairer, more decent and caring society where everyone is supported to flourish and reach their full potential. I passionately believe in the fundamental principles of social democracy where a strong and vibrant economy supports quality public services and a healthy and diverse society.”
Speaking ahead of tonight’s candidacy launch, Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy TD said:
“Sinéad is a hugely committed activist and we are delighted that she will bring her energy and talents to the Social Democrats’ work for equality and sustainable social progress.
“I know that Sinéad will be an excellent and energetic public representative for the people for Dún Laoghaire who are looking for candidates who they can relate to and who represent the issues they feel strongly about.”
30th May 2018
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Sinéad Gibney has been an activist her entire adult life. She was president of the Students’ Union at the University of Ulster at Coleraine, and she currently holds a number of voluntary director positions on the boards of non-governmental organisations: Digital Charity Lab; Victims’ Rights Alliance; and One Family.
Sinéad has leadership experience in both the private and public sectors. She served as the inaugural Director of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission from 2014 to 2016 and before that she built and led the Corporate Social Responsibility function for Google Ireland.
She is now running her own media production company and provides training and consultancy to the public and NGO sectors.
Sinéad is a lifelong learner with an undergraduate degree in History & Politics from the University of Ulster and a range of post-graduate qualifications in the areas of IT & Education, Cyberpsychology, Equality Studies and Human Rights Law.
Sinéad is a single mum from Blackrock, where she lives with her teenage daughter Bella. They can be spotted regularly frequenting the Mellow Fig café in Blackrock.
Details of tonight’s campaign launch are available here: https://www.facebook.com/events/908274582678644/