Third Labour TD eyes up a European exit

A THIRD Labour TD has signalled their intent to leave Dáil politics after securing a nomination to run for Europe. Of the party’s seven TDs, Brendan Howlin and Seán Sherlock have said they won’t run in the next election. Now, after selecting Dublin Bay North TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin as its Dublin candidate for the 2024 European Parliament elections, the party faces replacing another TD as a candidate for the general election. Amid growing speculation that Exodus: Labour Leader Ivana Bacik is running out of TDs

Alan Kelly is also considering a run for Europe, one source noted: ‘[Labour leader] Ivana [Bacik] is running out of candidates, the way things are going. When it comes to outgoing TDs, it will be down to Ivana Bacik and Ged Nash yet.’

After the vote, Deputy Ó Ríordáin said: ‘Dublin needs a candidate that will fight for a fairer city.

‘I want to be a voice for Dublin at European level. Dublin is an iconic city steeped in history, but I am conscious also of the struggles that many Dubliners face.’

He also said he would prioritise housing, noting: ‘The housing crisis is driving so many young people out of our city due to the utter lack of affordable living options for them. At a European level, you can be a voice for a fairer approach.’

Ms Bacik said: ‘Over the past almost five years, we have seen the need to have a strong and sensible socialist voice at a European level.

‘That’s why I’m determined that Labour win a seat to ensure a voice for solidarity, fairness and equality for Dublin.’ However, a Labour source added: ‘It would be no harm if we had a couple of TDs too.’