Sinn Féin name candidate for Ireland South in next European elections

Senator Paul Gavan is a Labour Panel senator from Limerick.

Sinn Féin has formally selected Senator Paul Gavan as its candidate in Ireland South for the European elections next June.

Mr Gavan, a Labour Panel senator from Limerick, has served in the Seanad since 2016 and was selected by the party to contest the election last weekend.

In a statement after his nomination, Mr Gavan said there needs to be “new representation” for Ireland South at the European Parliament.

“I want to be part of a Sinn Féin team that will deliver change by campaigning for a Europe that supports investment in public services and communities, advances workers’ rights, protects our environment, and is a voice for social justice both at home and throughout the world,” Mr Gavan said.

"The European Union is at a crossroads, and we need to see a transformed European Union that is about building a better future for all, not just the few.” 

The party has confirmed that it will hold a second convention in the coming weeks to select a second candidate for the constituency.

Mr Gavan’s nomination follows the recent announcement by Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune that she will not be standing again at the next election.

Mr Gavan is due to join Fine Gael’s Seán Kelly, Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher, the Green Party’s Grace O’Sullivan, and Independent4Change Mick Wallace on the ballot paper next year.