Ivana Bacik admits she faces 'battle' in holding onto seat

Ivana Bacik said while Labour planned to stand on its own at the next election, she said co-operation between parties with similar polices was an aim. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Labour leader Ivana Bacik has admitted her seat in Dublin Bay South is not guaranteed, saying it will be a “battle” to retain it at the next general election.

Ms Bacik told the Irish Examiner while she hopes to hang on to her seat, it is a competitive four-seat constituency.

Asked if she believed it would be difficult to retain, Ms Bacik said: “Absolutely, it will be a battle.”

“Of course it will be a battle, there's no doubt about that, It’ll be a very competitive constituency and I know a lot of eyes will be on it.

“We’re working very hard and hope that we will retain the seat but of course it will be a battle.”

Ms Bacik said she had not stopped canvassing since she won the seat in a 2021 by-election and that she is always out “meeting communities, engaging with people” in the area.

Dublin Bay South is likely to be tough contest, with two party leaders — Ms Bacik and the Green Party’s Eamon Ryan — both seeking to hold on to their seats. Sinn Féin will be hoping to retain Chris Andrews, while Fianna Fáil will have Jim O’Callaghan seeking re-election.

Outside of Dublin Bay South, Labour are likely to face difficulties at the next general election, as several TDs look to either retire from politics or head to Europe.

Cork East TD Seán Sherlock announced in October that he would not contest the next election after sweeping boundary changes moved his base of Mallow into Cork North Central. Just before him, former Labour leader Brendan Howlin decided to stand down after 36 years as a TD.

Asked if her party would be able to hold seats where Labour candidates are retiring, Ms Bacik insisted they “absolutely” would.

“We’ve really strong local representation. I’ve often said our strength, often overlooked by national media, our strength lies in our local representation,” Ms Bacik said.

On collaboration with other parties on the left, Ms Bacik said while Labour planned to stand on its own at the next election, she said co-operation between parties with similar polices was an aim.

However, Ms Bacik did not comment directly when asked about a merger between the Social Democrats and Labour.

Put to her that the two parties are only separated by history, Ms Bacik said “history is a strong force”, while also mentioning Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael being separated by history.

Asked if she believed Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil could merge in the future she said: “Again, nothing is inevitable in politics but I think that is quite a possible outcome. I’m sure they’ll deny it.”