Boyd Barrett to host People Before Profit election launch

PEOPLE Before Profit has announced it is running two candidates in the local elections.

The party will launch their local and European election campaigns at the Glasshouse Hotel on Monday April 29 from 7pm.

Richard Boyd Barrett TD will host the event.

Emma Hendrick and the outgoing councillor Gino O’Boyle (both pictured) are the confirmed candidates running for election to Sligo County Council in the forthcoming local elections.

At an event to be hosted by Richard Boyd Barrett TD, the party will launch their local and European election campaigns this Monday, April 29 at 7pm in the Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo.

Cllr O’Boyle, first co-opted onto the local authority in 2015 and a seat winner in 2019 in his own right, will be seeking re-election in the SligoStrandhill electoral area.

Emma Hendrick, will be running in Ballymote-Tubbercurry EA while Dr Brian O’Boyle is the People Before Profit candidate for Europe in the Midlands NorthWest constituency.

Deputy Boyd Barrett said: “People Before Profit has a proud record in fighting for the things that matter to people.

“Over the last five years we have fought to secure more social and affordable housing, a more equal healthcare system and for social rights for those in need. We have also stood proudly with the people of Palestine.”

He spoke about the ability of his party’s candidates: “Gino and Emma are excellent local election candidates.

“Gino has a proven track record in fighting for the people of Sligo and Emma has fought tirelessly for women and workers. Brian is the type of MEP candidate the Midlands NorthWest needs. For twenty years he has fought to make Ireland a more equal place and he has all the skills to take on the elites in Europe.”

Cllr Gino O’ Boyle said it has been his privilege to represent the people of Sligo-Strandhill for nearly ten years.

“In that time, I have been involved in every campaign to create a more equal and inclusive Sligo. I have fought for social and affordable housing and against the inequalities caused by the cost-of-living crisis. If re-elected I will continue to fight for people who deserve much more than they get currently.”

Europe candidate Brian O’ Boyle said, “Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael style politics have failed in Ireland and across Europe. The far right is trying to capitalise on people’s anxieties, but they will make the situation worse. We need socialists to fight for better public services and a more equal Europe. Big business needs to pay for climate change and young people need jobs and opportunities. We also need to defend Irish neutrality and stand with the people of Palestine.”

Emma Hendrick alluded to the lack of women on Sligo County Council (two of the sitting three women on the outgoing council are stepping down), when she commented: “As in so many areas, women are under-represented on Sligo County Council. Women who fight for workers’ rights and better public services are virtually non-existent.

“I have a record in these areas and if elected I will use my voice to speak up for those who currently get left behind.”