Dublin lord mayor seeks Fine Gael nod for to replace Paschal Donohoe in by-election

Ray McAdam confirms bid as parties line up candidates to replace Paschal Donohoe

Ray McAdam, a close ally of Mr Donohoe, has served as a councillor on Dublin City Council since 2009. Picture: PA

Ray McAdam, The Lord Mayor of Dublin, is seeking Fine Gael’s nomination to contest the upcoming Dublin Central by-election.

The by-election follows the resignation of Paschal Donohoe, who stepped down to take up a position at the World Bank.

Mr McAdam, a close ally of Mr Donohoe, has served as a councillor on Dublin City Council since 2009.

He confirmed his intention on Thursday and said he is looking forward to taking part in the campaign.

“If selected, I intend to run a very positive campaign. I have been an accessible public representative in Dublin Central the last 17 years, someone who has worked had on the ground to deliver,” Mr McAdam said.

“I look forward to putting my case forward to the people of Dublin Central.” 

He joins several other candidates seeking to replace Mr Donohoe as TD for Dublin Central. Sinn Féin selected councillor Janice Boylan as its candidate on Wednesday evening.

Ms Boylan defeated campaigner Gillian Sherratt at a party convention.

A party spokesperson said: "Sinn Féin Councillor Janice Boylan was selected as the party candidate for the Dublin Central by-election and her name will now go forward to the Ard Chomhairle for formal ratification. The campaign starts now to elect Janice as the next TD for Dublin Central."

Other declared candidates include Social Democrats councillor Daniel Ennis, Green Party councillor Janet Horner, musician Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin for People Before Profit, anti-immigration independent councillor Malachy Steenson and Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch.