Sinn Féin selects campaigner Nicole Ryan as candidate in Cork North West
Nicole Ryan, who has been selected by Sinn Féin to run in the general election. Picture: Sinn Féín
Sinn Féín has selected drug education campaigner Nicole Ryan as their candidate in Cork North West for the next general election.
Ms Ryan, 31, lost her brother, Alex Ryan, in 2016 after he consumed a deadly designer drug at a house party.
He was one of six people who was rushed to Cork University Hospital after taking the synthetic drug 25I-NBOMe at the Cork City party. He was just 18 years old at the time.
In the aftermath, Ms Ryan set up Alex's Adventure, a drug education programme which has helped over 13,000 post-primary students. In 2021, she was awarded a Pride of Cork award for her work
Speaking about her selection, Ms Ryan said: “It is a great honour to have been selected by the members of Cork North West to represent Sinn Féin at the next general election. I believe that this general election offers the people of Cork North West a unique opportunity to vote for real change.
Scroll for results in your area
“I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead and I want to play my part in ensuring that Cork North West for the first time in decades elects a progressive, young voice to represent them.
“Throughout the campaign, I will make every effort to connect with as many members of our wonderful communities across the constituency as possible ensuring I hear and understand their needs and concerns.”
Commenting on the selection, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said: “Nicole has a proven track record of advocating for the most vulnerable in society and is passionate about ensuring our youth do not become a forgotten generation.
“Nicole’s courage and leadership were powerfully demonstrated when she led a campaign on drug awareness following the death of her brother, Alex.
“The next General Election is a unique opportunity to shape a society that cherishes all of our people equally. Nicole will bring passion, determination and solutions to address the challenges that the people of Cork North West face.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
