Rory Hearne to be Soc Dems candidate for Dublin North-West seat
Mr Hearne was selected at a convention this evening as the party's candidate. File Picture
Housing campaigner Rory Hearne will be the Social candidate for the Dublin North-West seat currently held by party founder iRóisín Shortall.
Mr Hearne was selected at a convention this evening as the party's choice to attempt to hold the seat that Ms Shortall has held since 1992. The campaigner, author and lecturer was officially confirmed as a candidate at a selection convention this evening.
His selection follows Ms Shortall recent decision to retire from politics at the next general election after a Dáil career spanning 32 years.
Mr Hearne is an Associate Professor in Social Policy at Maynooth University and author of the best-selling book, Gaffs. He contested the European elections for the party in Midlands North-West, garnering the 13th most first preferences, 2.2% of the vote.
Welcoming the selection, Ms Shortall said: “It has been an incredible honour to represent this constituency for more than three decades. I am always mindful that I was able to do that because the people of Dublin North-West placed their trust in me for seven consecutive general elections.
Scroll for results in your area
“I am now asking those who supported me to put their trust in Rory, who I believe, would make an exceptional TD for this area. I know he shares my vision for improved public services, a properly functioning health service and housing that is genuinely affordable."
Speaking after his selection, Mr Hearne said that he was "honoured to have been selected".
"I will work tirelessly to retain the seat held by Róisín for so many years so that I can continue her good work. While hers are extremely big boots to fill, I am really excited about the challenge ahead.
“As someone who has lived on Dublin’s northside for 20 years and is raising a young family here, I am acutely aware of the issues affecting the constituency – not least the housing crisis."
Ms Shortall and party co-founder Catherine Murphy announced their retirements last month. Cllr Aidan Farrelly has been chosen to contest the seat in Ms Murphy's home of Kildare North.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
