The labour party has been unsuccessful in coaxing several influential figures from the fields of sports, healthcare, and politics to be part of its general election slate. Predictions suggest that the election may take place before the year’s conclusion. In light of this, Labour informally checked with Philly McMahon, an eight-time All-Ireland champion and ex-Dublin footballer, to explore his interest in contesting for the Dáil.
They are also believed to have approached Dr Rhona Mahony, the previous master of the National Maternity Hospital. Averil Power, a former Fianna Fáil senator and Independent, presently the CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, confirmed Labour’s approach.
In her statement, Ms Power stated, “The Labour Party unexpectedly approached me, and I declined. While I thanked them for the offer, I have no current plans to re-enter the political sphere.” Neither Mr McMahon nor Dr Mahony communicated any comments when contacted.
According to party insiders, if any of the renowned individuals had consented, they would have been selected to contest in Dublin Bay North. Labour is looking to hold onto a seat in this constituency, left vacant by Aodhán Ó Ríordáin’s move to the European Parliament earlier this year.
Ultimately, the discussions didn’t advance, as the individuals contacted did not seriously contemplate a political career, and no formal meetings occurred with Labour leader Ivana Bacik TD. The party defended almost half of its seats without incumbent candidates during the local and European elections, still holding seven Dáil seats despite Brendan Howlin, a former leader and Wexford TD, and Cork East TD Sean Sherlock’s decisions not to run for Dáil again.
During a pre-Dáil term party gathering this week, Ms Bacik announced that 16 candidates had already been chosen to represent the party in the elections. The positive outcomes from the local and European elections in June have uplifted the spirits of the party. Yet, she refrained from projecting the number of seats Labour is aiming to secure in the forthcoming general election, except to articulate the ambition to increase the current toll.
It was reported from party insiders last week that Labour could potentially compete in approximately twelve constituencies. However, some anticipate that the party might have difficulty sustaining its existing Dáil representation. Ms Bacik asserted that Labour would not engage in any vote-transference arrangements with other parties prior to the general election, yet remained open to collaboration post-elections with parties and individual TDs who align with their ideological perspective and centre-left, social democratic values.
Labour Party’s spokesperson affirmed, “In the lead-up to the impending general election, like all political parties, Labour is in the process of scouting and choosing candidates. We will be making announcements in the following weeks.”