Party leader Holly Cairns is focused on building a strong Social Democrats team in the Oireachtas
Cllr. Joan Hopkins has been selected by the Social Democrats to contest the Dublin Fingal East constituency in the upcoming general election.
Cllr. Hopkins, who was recently re-elected to Fingal County Council after topping the poll in the Howth Malahide electoral area, stated:
“It is an incredible honour to be selected to contest the general election for the Social Democrats in Dublin Fingal East and I am very excited to be taking on this challenge. It is my intention to mount a vigorous grassroots campaign and be a strong and hard working representative for the people of Fingal East in Dáil Éireann.
“Having served as a councillor on Fingal County Council for five years, and following my recent re-election where I had the great honour of topping the poll, I know all too well the challenges facing our community. People in this area are worried about housing affordability, the healthcare crisis, the complete lack of disability supports and our climate emergency.
“The tremendous support given to me by so many people has left me in no doubt that there is an appetite amongst voters for a change in approach on these – and so many other issues. We need strong Social Democratic representation in the Dáil to see real and meaningful investment in core public services and I want to give people the opportunity to vote for this.
“I have long experience, in my current role as a community development manager, having completed a Masters from UCC in Organisational Behaviour, and 20 years experience in banking and finance. I am passionate about biodiversity and making our communities more sustainable and liveable. I grew up working in our family’s local business and want to support businesses within the community.
“I am overwhelmed to have received such strong support from party members in Fingal, my local colleague Cllr. Paul Mulville and our party leader Holly Cairns, who is focused on building a strong Social Democrats team in the Oireachtas.”
Social Democrats party leader Holly Cairns said:
“I am delighted that Joan is running for the Social Democrats in Dublin Fingal East. Joan already has a track record as an extremely hard working councillor in the area with a particular focus on housing, social care, disability supports and the environment.
“I know Joan shares the party’s vision for vastly improved public services, a properly functioning health service, a sustainable environment and housing that is genuinely affordable. More than that, she is already working hard to deliver these things on the ground in Fingal East.
“I would like to wish Joan every success in her campaign and look forward to working with her and her team to elect a Social Democrat TD in Fingal East.”