by Alan Jacques
SENATOR James Heffernan has been confirmed as a candidate for the Social Democrats party in the upcoming general election.
Heffernan, who lost the Labour Party whip in 2012 when he voted against the social welfare bill, will contest a Limerick County seat for the Social Democrats in the next general election.
The Kilfinane native is one of five new candidates unveiled last week by the party which was established last July by former Junior Minister Róisín Shortall and Independent TDs Catherine Murphy and Stephen Donnelly with a vision to create a more equal society supported by a healthy, strong economy.
At 35-years-old, Heffernan is one of the youngest members of the Seanad, having been elected in 2011.
He said he decided to join the Social Democrats because they offer “a different way of doing business”. He also believes that “a certain degree of cynicism has crept into politics and the way business is done in this country” and feels the Social Democrats can now make a positive impact.
Meanwhile, Castletroy woman Sarah Jane Hennelly has now been confirmed as a general election candidate for the Social Democrats in Limerick City. A graduate of European Politics and Law from the University of Limerick, the 27-year-old also believes there is a significant amount of people searching for a new approach to politics.
“I have a deep knowledge of the key issues facing Limerick City, all of which are tackled through the policies and approach taken by the Social Democrats. Issues like our mortgage crisis, our housing crisis, zero hour contracts and political corruption and accountability are at the core of the Social Democrat’s agenda,” Ms Hennelly explained.
“I know that this party will appeal to the people of Limerick City, because they are genuinely seeking to capitalise on our native strengths and to tackle our social inequalities. This is the type of vision and politics we need and deserve in Limerick City,” she added.
