Sinn Féin’s leader, Mary Lou McDonald, is set to jointly contest for the Dublin Central seat along with Cllr Janice Boylan. Their candidacy, which saw no competition, is part of the party’s two-candidate approach in McDonald’s constituency.
Despite McDonald and Boylan’s usually strong friendship, by the end of 2022, their relationship took a downward turn. In the same year, Boylan had circulated a letter to the fellow party members, airing her grievances about her humiliation and the party’s negligence towards her.
However, contrary to expectations, she did not eventually leave the party but voiced her discontent about feeling unsupported, unappreciated, and disrespected. In a surprising turn of events, McDonald took to Twitter with a picture of them together for a walk, hinting at a resolved dispute. Boylan had also publicly shared about being passed over a position at McDonald’s constituency office.
Post these events, the Sinn Féin reiterated that Boylan was a cherished member of the party. Since then, the pair have been frequently seen at media gatherings. Boylan, a native of O’Devaney Gardens in Dublin 8, balances her political career with her married life and three kids.
Extending its two-candidate crusade from Dublin Central, the Sinn Féin is implementing the same policy across numerous other districts. With expectations of fielding 65 to 70 representatives in the upcoming general election, the party seems to be overcoming its previous criticism of contesting with fewer candidates, which led to an overwhelming response for the few who ran with multiple quotas which could have benefitted their mates.
In the recent local and European elections this summer, the party secured less than 12% of the total national vote and over 200 councillors failed to win their seats. Addressing the party’s decline in popularity as reflected in polls, Ms McDonald acknowledged Sinn Féin’s understanding of the task at hand, expressing determination. She stressed on the need to establish a clear narrative that Sinn Féin represents a viable alternative in Irish politics.
“Taking note of the message to reform, to spring into action, to stay connected, vocal and relevant, we have now bounced back,” she said. “We have put in considerable effort over the summer, thus making a comeback this Dáil term with a renewed sense of purpose and determination,” she concluded.