Former Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Clare Daly, has broadcasted her decision to stand as a nominee in the approaching general election. However, her run will be in the Dublin Central area, a diversion from her previous Dublin North community. Ms. Daly confirmed this via a lengthy announcement on X today, specifying her wish to contend in a fresh constituency under the Independent 4 Change flag. This decision was heavily influenced by her political partner, Cllr Dean Mulligan, opting to contest in Dublin Fingal East.
Ms. Daly has expressed that she received several requests from activists within Dublin Central, urging her to run for election as an independent socialist representative. Ms. Daly initially entered the European Parliament representing the Dublin locality but wasn’t able to maintain her seat during this year’s parliamentary polls.
In recent weeks, rumours have circulated that Ms. Daly has begun rallying a team to champion a campaign in the four-seat constituency. Currently, notable TDs within the constituency include the leader of Sinn Féin, Mary Lou McDonald, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe, Social Democrats’ Gary Gannon, and Neasa Hourigan of the Green Party.
Known for her bold opinions, Ms. Daly previously stirred controversy alongside her liberal ally, South MEP Mick Wallace, over their position on Russia’s incursion into Ukraine while in Brussels. Both MEPs went against a European Parliament resolution which suggested creating a tribunal to put Russia’s leadership on trial for acts of aggression against Ukraine.
In her reveal, Ms. Daly mentioned the longstanding presence of fearless, outspoken Independent TDs in Dublin Central, including Tony Gregory and Maureen O’Sullivan. She believes this mindset is necessary as the capital city feels forgotten and its communities left to fend for themselves. Ms. Daly, an established organiser since her university years, feels she exemplifies this spirit, with her work advocating for unpopular yet critical issues, such as abortion rights and Garda reform. She also stressed her international reputation as an anti-war and pro-Palestine supporter.
She expressed that the decision was a result of intensive contemplation; for a quarter of a century, she served as a public representative in Dublin North. Numerous individuals from across the nation voiced their desire for the return of both herself and Mick Wallace to the Dáil. Like many others, she is profoundly disturbed by the trajectory the country is following. In her endeavor, she has secured the support of several notable activists in the region, such as the ex-TD Maureen O’Sullivan, Cllr Cieran Perry, and the former MEP Patricia McKenna.