I am no trophy candidate: O’Gorman
The founder and director of the One-in-Four organisation, which supports victims of sexual abuse, announced at a press conference in PD headquarters in Dublin that he would stand for the party at the next general election in his native Wexford.
The announcement was seen as a major coup for the junior Government partner, given Mr O’Gorman’s record as a campaigner and commentator.
The PDs have a history of approaching prominent public figures — former IFA leader and now junior minister Tom Parlon being a prime example. Tánaiste and party leader Mary Harney yesterday admitted she was in talks with other “high-profile candidates”.
But Mr O’Gorman said: “I want to make one thing clear — I am no trophy candidate.
“My decision to enter politics is based on the work I believe needs to be done in politics. I recognise that politics is often viewed as a game — and I recognise that many in this room are actively involved in the game — and that’s fine, but my decision to enter politics is based on conviction; it’s based on a conviction to bring what I can to that and to really work in a significant way to make a difference.”
Mr O’Gorman rejected suggestions he was new to politics, citing his family background and his work with One-in-Four.
His father, Sean, was a Fianna Fáil councillor in Wexford for 16 years and unsuccessfully contested two general elections.
Mr O’Gorman’s work with One-in-Four, meanwhile, involved him liaising and clashing with several Government departments.
Asked about his previous criticism of Government inaction, the new candidate said he did not see a conflict in now joining the PDs. People had regularly told him more could be achieved outside politics, a premise he completely rejected. More could be achieved within government, he said, urging others to think likewise.
“I think we need more people who talk about change … to try and make that happen from within.”
After being approached by Ms Harney, he came to a decision in recent weeks to join the party.
Mr O’Gorman said he was attracted to the PDs primarily by their deep commitment to the kind of change and reform necessary to move Ireland forward in a radical and progressive way, along with the party’s conviction “to do what was right”.
He agreed with the party’s economic policies, which were focused on “making sure that Ireland has the resources to deliver the kind of services and infrastructure that its people deserve”.
He said he discussed his decision with the board of One-in-Four, and, as the election was still more than a year away, he would not be stepping down as director.
“But the reality is, at some point, if I’m successful — and I intend to be successful — that will change,” added Mr O’Gorman.
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