Sinn Féin select two candidates to contest European elections for Ireland South

Sinn Féin candidate for Ireland South Senator Paul Gavan has submitted his nomination papers ahead of the upcoming European elections on Friday, June 7.

The counties in the Ireland South constituency include Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford and Wicklow.

Senator Gavan said he is aware people across Ireland South ‘need’ change. “I know that people across Ireland South need change. Change starts here with the European and local elections taking place. These elections are taking place at a time when Ireland is facing many challenges,” he said.

The Limerick based politician listed the current challenges people are facing nationwide. “A worsening housing crisis, a health service under enormous pressure and families pushed to the brink by the cost of living crisis. Voting for Sinn Féin in this election is the first step to getting this disastrous government out of office.

“This is an opportunity to create meaningful change in Ireland and Europe to make real improvements in the everyday lives of workers, families and communities. This government has shown itself to be out of touch with the challenges ordinary people face day in, day out,” he added.

“There is a lack of energy, ideas and vision from the coalition,” said Senator Gavan. “We’re getting more of the same from Simon Harris. We have a government that is out of touch, that doesn’t understand the challenges we are facing and is too deferential to the European Union. We need MEPs who will stand up for Ireland and champion the interests of workers and families.”

18 candidates are set to battle it out for the five seats in the Ireland South constituency in this year’s European elections.

In recent days Independent TD Michael McNamara became the latest politician to announce that he will be contesting the European Parliament elections in the Ireland South constituency.

Senator Gavan who will be running alongside Kathleen Funchion a sitting TD for Carlow-Kilkenny said they will make a strong team if they are elected. “I am proud to be running alongside Kathleen. We will work together to stand up for you and your family on the issues that matter.

“This election is an opportunity to deliver the change that is needed. By voting for Sinn Féin, you are voting for hard working MEPs committed to delivering change,” he added.

The current MEPS for the Ireland South constituency are Seán Kelly (FG), Billy Kelleher (FF), Mick Wallace (Independents 4 Change), Grace O’Sullivan (Green Party) and Deirdre Clune (FG).

Ms Clune who was first elected as an MEP in 2014 has announced that she will not be contesting this year’s European elections,

Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.