Rory Hearne has been selected by the Social Democrats as the party’s general election candidate in Dublin North-West, a constituency where Róisín Shortall has held a Dáil seat since 1992.
The well-known housing expert and campaigner, author and lecturer was officially confirmed as a candidate at a selection convention this evening (July 25) in the Skylon Hotel, Drumcondra.
His selection follows Róisín’s recent decision to retire from politics at the next general election after a stellar Dáil career spanning 32 years.
Rory is Associate Professor in Social Policy at Maynooth University and author of the best-selling book, ‘Gaffs’, which set out a roadmap to solving the housing crisis. He has been a central figure in the campaign for a right to housing in Ireland.
Welcoming Rory’s selection, Róisín said:
“It has been an incredible honour to represent this constituency for more than three decades. I am always mindful that I was able to do that because the people of Dublin North-West placed their trust in me for seven consecutive general elections.
“I am now asking those who supported me to put their trust in Rory, who I believe, would make an exceptional TD for this area. I know he shares my vision for improved public services, a properly functioning health service and housing that is genuinely affordable.
“From standing up to vulture funds to working with the homeless, Rory has been a powerful and empathic voice for the generation locked out of
housing in Ireland. I wish him every success in the general election and look forward to campaigning with him.”
Speaking after his selection, Rory said:
“I feel so honoured to have been selected as a candidate in Dublin North- West this evening. I will work tirelessly to retain the seat held by Róisín for so many years so that I can continue her good work. While hers are extremely big boots to fill, I am really excited about the challenge ahead.
“As someone who has lived on Dublin’s northside for 20 years and is raising a young family here, I am acutely aware of the issues affecting the constituency – not least the housing crisis.
“As a father, it breaks my heart that there are still thousands of children in Ireland living in homelessness, growing up in hotels and in family hubs. Like all parents, I worry every day about what the future is going to look like for our children, from the housing crisis to the environment and the growing divide in Ireland.
“For me, out of all the parties in Ireland, the Social Democrats have demonstrated the most political will to solve the major challenges facing us as a country.
“I will do everything possible to ensure that the people of Dublin North-West will continue to have strong representation in Dáil Eireann by a Social Democrats TD after the general election.”
July 25, 2024