SINN Féin is hoping to maximise its presence on Limerick City and County Council with the announcement this week of seven candidates to contest the Metropolitan areas in the 2024 local election.
Seven candidates were selected at the party’s recent convention at the Strand Hotel across three electoral areas.
Ursula Gavan, Mike Killeen, and Danielle O’Shea were selected to contest Limerick City East. While Frances Lonergan and former councillor Malachy McCreesh were selected for the contest in Limerick City West. Sitting councillors Tom Collopy and Sharon Benson will represent the party in Limerick City North.
Speaking after the convention, Limerick Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan told the Limerick Post he was delighted that the party had selected such a strong team of candidates to contest next year’s local elections.
“The team that we have chosen has the right blend of experience and each individual brings a range of knowledge with them. The issues that have plagued Limerick are not insurmountable and I believe with an even stronger Council, Oireachtas, and European team we can make the changes that are needed across the city and county,” Deputy Quinlivan commented.
“We are looking to bring home as strong a team as possible and I can assure that, should they be elected, our councillors will not be found wanting in that task.”
Deputy Quinlivan did not exclude the possibility of further candidates being added to the Sinn Féin ticket.
“We are hopeful of adding to this team in the near future and of course we look forward to the selection of colleagues in the county electoral areas.”
Commenting on those selected to contest the election, Deputy Quinlivan stated: “Councillors Sharon Benson and Tom Collopy have served the people of Limerick well in their time on the Council. I think their record of attendance and action speaks for itself. I am delighted that both are seeking re-election.”
“In Limerick City East we have a fantastic team that will cover all areas of the electoral area. Danielle O’Shea will be known to anyone who has dealt with my office.
“Danielle has worked with me for several years and has been a tremendous asset. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the local issues and I think, if elected, will make a tremendous councillor.
“Ursula Gavan and Mike Killeen will both contest this electoral area and in their time with Sinn Féin have been tremendous activists,” he said.
Quinlivan continued: “In Limerick City West I am thrilled that former councillor Malachy McCreesh has decided to contest the election. During his time on the Council, Malachy was well received by residents, Council officials, and political opponents alike.”
Completing the Limerick City West ticket is Frances Lonergan, who Deputy Quinlivan says “has shown her commitment to the party over an extended period and brings a different perspective to our team. I look forward to working with all our candidates to deliver the strongest Sinn Féin team possible.”
The Local Election will be held in June next year and will coincide with the election of Limerick’s first Directly Elected Mayor and the European Parliament elections will be held on the same day.
