Leanne Saurin is added to the SF rural ticket
LEANNE Saurin, daughter of sitting councillor David, will be hoping for a unique family double come the local elections.
Last Friday, she was selected as the fifth Sinn Fein candidate to fight May’s election. She will partner Tom Cunningham in Drogheda Rural.
The three sitting councillors, Joanna Byrne, David Saurin and Kenneth Flood will be contesting the Drogheda Urban area.
Leanne is qualified as a freelance Irish Sign Language Interpreter, currently delivering her services in educational, medical, employment, legal and social settings.
She is currently secretary of the Council of Irish Sign Language Interpreters and was previously secretary to the ‘Save St. Mary’s of Drumcar Campaign’. She has campaigned on local issues such as Gain City Status for Drogheda and Restore the Boyneside Trail.
Leanne was nominated by former Councillor Alan Cassidy and seconded by her father Cllr David Saurin.
Leanne thanked Alan Cassidy for all his “encouragement, guidance and support throughout this process. He explained the role to me and what would be expected of me.”
She also thanked her dad “who supported me without telling me what to do. He left the decision up to me and I appreciate that. I know I am joining a great team here in Drogheda and am looking forward to getting out on the campaign trail in Drogheda Rural while dad is on the campaign trail in Drogheda Urban.
“I also want to thank the Colonel Leonard Cumann who put me forward and for the team of Councillors who are always there to support and give advice. Now let’s go forward and win these five seats in Drogheda and help Drogheda achieve its full potential as the town/city we know it is.”
Speaking after the convention, Cllr Tom Cunningham said “I am delighted to have Leanne on the team, she will be a great asset and is passionate about equality for everyone especially those who are often sidelined or forgotten about, the deaf community.
‘She is enthusiastic, bright and a very capable lady and I look forward to campaigning with her and for her in Drogheda Rural.”