Is the time now right for Ó Súilleabháin to get Dáil nod?
HAVING first been elected as a councillor back in 2004, Gorey’s Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin comes with experience. Along with fellow councillor Tom Forde, he managed to survive the turn against Sinn Féin in last year’s local elections to retain his seat and joined in further jubilant scenes at the count centre as his long term colleague Johnny Mythen romped home in the general election in February.
There was a time when Ó Súilleabháin was considered by some within the party as the man to put forward to represent Sinn Féin in Dáil Eireann. However, he remains firm in his backing for Mythen.
‘I was asked previously by people in the party to run,’ he admitted. ‘But I’ve always backed
Johnny 100%. There’s no egos or jostling for position within the party and Johnny has been doing some amazing work behind the scenes. He’s not a showman, but I know he’s been doing some great work in my area here in particular.’
But with Mythen comfortably topping the poll on the last occasion and all the talk now surrounding whether Sinn Féin could get a second candidate over the line, could Ó Súilleabháin be that second name on the ticket?
‘I wouldn’t rule it out,’ he said. ‘I suppose this is a much bigger issue than just me. It’s about what’s good for the party and, ultimately, good for the country. That’s if we even decide to run two candidates. I suppose it took us long enough to get one.’
‘ There are many other great people in the county who could be put forward too though. I wouldn’t be precious about it. I wouldn’t rule it out, but I’d give my full backing to whoever is chosen should it happen.’
Cllr Ó Súilleabháin is firm in his belief that Sinn Féin are just as strong now as they were back in February and senses there’s an anger out there at the party’s being left out of talks.
‘It’s a farcical show at the minute,’ he blasted. ‘ They’re seeking any arrangement to keep Sinn Féin out of power. There are still a whole host of underlying issues there that don’t look like they’ll be resolved under this proposed government though, so I think people will continue to seek change.’