Sinn Féin to contest general election in Laois
Maria McCormack is hoping that Sinn Féin members in Laois will select her to be their candidate contest the upcoming general election for the party
WITH the resignation from Sinn Féin of its election poll-topper Brian Stanley in recent weeks, the party is holding an election selection convention to nominate a candidate to secure the Sinn Féin vote in the Laois constituency.
Deputy Brian Stanley declared that he is contesting the upcoming general election as an Independent Republican candidate following his controversial departure from Sinn Féin in recent weeks.
The Sinn Féin convention is being held in Portlaoise on Monday evening where the party’s leader Deputy Mary Lou McDonald will be guest speaker.
Ahead of the Sinn Féin election selection convention Maria McCormack has expressed her interest in contesting the election for her party.
Ms McCormack was unsuccessful in her bid to take a council seat in the June local election when she was eliminated having polled 276 first preference votes in the Portlaoise Municipal District.
Living in the Fieldbrook area of Portlaoise Ms McCormack has been a member of Sinn Féin for the past four years, but a long-time supporter.
A parent with a young family, she works locally in the health care industry.
She is a member of Laois/Offaly Families for Autism (LOFFA) and Family Carers Ireland. She also served as chairperson of Ballyroan Foróige, was involved in Laois Civil Defence and preformed with Portlaoise Gospel Choir and Portlaoise Musical Society.
Ms McCormack’s family have had a longstanding connection with republicanism in the county as her great grandfather Jim Lewis from Morette, was one of the first Sinn Féin councillors elected in Laois.
In her statement announcing her intent at securing the mandate from her party to contest the upcoming general election she said: “I can confirm that I am seeking a nomination from my local party membership. If successful, I will be honoured to go forward as the Sinn Féin candidate in Laois and look forward to the campaign.”
She said: “There are serious issues in the county such as the lack of affordable housing, sky-high rents, lack of investment in our hospitals, local health centres, mental health services and the expansion of schools for both mainstream and special needs classes. Only Sinn Féin can bring the change needed for Laois in this coming election.”
At present there are no other names that have been forwarded to be considered for selection by Sinn Féin at the convention but nominations remain open until Sunday 4 November.
