With a by-election due to be held in Dublin Mid-West next month to fill the vacancy left by Frances Fitzgerald’s election to the European Parliament, four more local candidates were confirmed over the past week.
People Before Profit have selected Kellie Sweeney as their candidate.
She first ran as a candidate in the local election in May.
Kellie Sweeney said: “I want to provide an alternative to the political establishment.
“Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have failed to provide for ordinary people, the health care system is broken and the housing crisis is continuing to worsen.
“The government pay lip service to the climate movement but in practice have no solutions to the climate emergency.
“As a nurse who has worked at the frontline of our health service I have seen the eroding of our public health care system.”
Councillor Emer Higgins was announced by Fine Gael as their candidate at the party selection convention over the weekend.
She has been a Councillor for eight years and is the Leader of Fine Gael in South Dublin County Council.
Emer Higgins said: “These bye elections come as we approach endgame in Brexit.
“We don’t know if in a few days time there will be a final deadline or a brief extension.
“The next few weeks could decide the future of our island for decades to come.
“This Government has secured the support of all 26 European countries to keep the border open after Brexit.”
Fianna Fáil have chosen Councillor Shane Moynihan to contest the bye-election.
Cllr. Moynihan represents the Palmerstown-Fonthill Local Electoral Area.
Shane Moynihan said: “I am very proud to represent Fianna Fáil in the upcoming bye-elections in November.
Dublin Mid-West is my home, it’s been home my entire life, and it’s where I’m raising my family.
“I think it’s important to send someone who can deliver for Dublin Mid-West to Leinster House.
“I grew up in this constituency and I am extremely honoured to have been given the opportunity to contest this bye-election with a view to representing my community in Dáil Éireann.”
Independent Councillor Francis Timmons has also thrown his hat in the ring.
Announcing his decision to run on social media on Saturday, Cllr Timmons said:
“Its official I will be running as an Independent in the upcoming Dáil Éireann Dublin Mid West By-Election in November which covers all areas of Clondalkin, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart, Brittas Palmerstown, Lucan and Balgaddy.
“I want to thank everyone for their support over the last few years.
“It is a massive honour to serve on SDCC.
“I will need everyone to get their friends and family to vote for me.
“I can promise hard work and dedication.”
Other candidates already confirmed include Patrick Kavanagh (Green), Anne-Marie McNally (Soc Dems) and Paul Gogarty (Ind).
