Sinn Féin’s election campaign is underway in Laois

“THE Sinn Fein seat in Laois belongs to Sinn Fein.” 

That was the battle cry from Maria McCormack when she rallied the party members in Laois after she was formally selected to be the party’s candidate in the upcoming general election.

Over 80 members gathered in Portlaoise on Monday night 4 November to endorse Ms McCormack’s candidature.

It’s party leader Deputy Mary McDonald was also present on the night and described Ms McCormack as “an outstanding candidate.” 

She said: “Maria is an outstanding community activist who cares deeply about this county, its present and its future. She is a dedicated Irish Republican, and she will make a first class TD for the people of Laois.

“Whether it’s fighting for school places for children with special needs, working for much needed improvements to transport and public infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and standing up for family farmers – Maria McCormack will be the champion Laois needs now and for the future.

“The Sinn Féin seat in Laois was hard won by the relentless work of many republican activists down through the years. Selfless activists who understood that this is not about any individual but always about the bigger picture. It is a seat for the ordinary people of this county, backed by Sinn Féin voters who believe that real change and a better future is possible.” 

The party’s county secretary Aaron Kelly proposed Ms McCormack to be their torchbearer in the election.

He said: “In these transformative times for the party in Laois, where we have seen a false narrative of division and despair for the party, we come together as a strong Sinn Féin team here tonight to focus on the future, to focus on unity, to build on the Laois Sinn Féin structures, and to ask voters to give Sinn Féin a chance after 100 plus years of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

He said that Ms McCormack has demonstrated “time and again her ability to tackle tough challenges head on and to be a strong voice in areas such as housing, healthcare, special needs, mental health and community development. Maria has worked tirelessly for different organisations throughout Laois such as the Women’s Shed, Community First Responders, Families for Autism and Action to Homelessness where she has helped the most vulnerable in our society, proving that when it comes to Maria, nobody is left behind and this is the type of candidate that we need to represent us.” Encouraging those present at the election campaign launch to row in behind Ms McCormack’s bid for a Dáil seat.

Mr Kelly said: “Every conversation, every door knocked, and every vote counts. Let’s work tirelessly to spread the Sinn Féin message throughout Laois that we have not gone away, we are only getting started. Together, we can drive change, we can retain that Sinn Féin seat and we can make history by getting Maria McCormack elected as the first ever female Laois TD.”

 Accepting the endorsement from her party colleagues Ms McCormack said: “It is an honour for me to be selected by the party to carry the republican banner in Laois and hopefully Dáil Éireann. I do not underestimate the challenge I am facing given the recent difficulties in Laois. But I am in this election to win.

“Sinn Fein won the seat on three different occasions since 2011. I am determined and the party is determined to hold on to seat in 2024. The people now have a choice for more of the same or a Government lead by Sinn Féin.

“That is why it is so important that Sinn Féin holds onto its seat here in Laois. The Sinn Fein seat in Laois belongs to Sinn Fein. It does not belong to anyone in particular. Nor does it belong to any family in particular.” 

“In this constituency, said Ms McCormack, “people voted for Sinn Fein in 2011, in 2016 and 2020 because they believe in better future we can have with a Sinn Féin Government. And I believe they will vote for Sinn Fein in 2024 and elect the first woman TD for Sinn Fein in Laois. I believe we can do it.” 

She expressed her appreciation “for the support from Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins,” who resigned from Sinn Féin in August over differences he had with it.

She said: “Everyone here knows Aidan and his life-long Republican activities. He is highly respected for his active involvement in the struggle for a united Ireland for decades and his leadership role in Laois. His public support for me at this time will help and encourage others to vote for Sinn Fein.”