Citizenship rule bars candidate

A PENSIONER who led a one-day Mass boycott last year over the Catholic Church’s treatment of women has been forced to withdraw from the general election race — because she is not an Irish citizen.

Jennifer Sleeman, 81, an English-born life-long environmentalist who was unveiled last week as a Green Party candidate in Cork South West, said while she is very disappointed, she is somewhat relieved, but feels she has let the party down.

“I have lived here for 54 years and have been perfectly happy. I haven’t ever applied for citizenship. It just never crossed my mind.”

The issue only emerged within the last 48 hours as Green Party headquarters processed her candidacy papers. A spokesman said Irish citizenship is not required for candidates running in local or European elections but is a requirement for Dáil elections.

Party chairman Dan Boyle said: “She just never took out Irish citizenship. We made an assumption but, sometimes, you just don’t get the breaks.”

Mr Boyle ruled out fast-tracking an application for citizenship for Ms Sleeman, saying it would be “an abuse of the process”.

The party is to announce a replacement candidate in Cork South West.

Ms Sleeman, who lives in Clonakilty, is a founding member of the Green Party, when it began as the Ecology Party of Ireland nearly 30 years ago.

Speaking from her home last night, she said she felt the party has been tainted by its time in government.

“They did their best, given the circumstances. But I think they have been slightly tainted,” she said. “I hope people realise they did their best, and their policies are excellent. We waited a long time to get into government. It would be sad if we don’t get some seats after this election.”