The leader of the Sinn Féin group on Waterford City and County Council has said that he is hopeful that Sinn Féin will make significant gains in next year’s local elections. Cllr Conor D. McGuinness confirmed that he will seek re-election as he made the comments ahead of the party’s Ard Fheis taking place this year in Athlone.
McGuinness said:
“Sinn Féin has unveiled the first tranche of local election candidates that will run for the party in next year’s local elections, with more candidates to be added between now and then. I am glad to once again be elected for Sinn Féin as part of this team, and look forward to campaigning for re-election.
“Local elections will take place in June 2023 and will be seen my many as a referendum on the performance of the current coalition government on housing, public services, and the cost of living.
“The appetite for political change continues to grow at both local and national level. Voters are conscious that the ability of a future government to deliver change on the ground could be frustrated and delayed by council dominated by the old, establishment parties.
“Sinn Féin in Waterford has selected its largest ever team of candidates in a clear signal of intent.
“In my own Dungarvan-Lismore district I hope to be joined by three new councillors, two additional candidates in Dungarvan LEA and one in Lismore.
“I am delighted that Fiona Regan and Siobhán Whelan will join me on the ticket in the Dungarvan LEA. Siobhán served as a councillor for the party previously and is an active trade union representative – she will bring great experience to the table. Fiona offers a new voice and a fresh perspective to local politics.
“I have worked as a full-time public representative since 2019. My priority during that time has been to stand up for workers and families on issues such as housing, healthcare, public services and the cost of living. This remains my focus and I am determined to continue challenging the status quo on the Council – to getting homes built and to ensuring that local services are protected and enhanced.
“I will stand on my record as an accessible, energetic and responsive local public representative and my hope is that after the next local elections I will be joined in the council chamber by an expanded team of Sinn Féin councillors. Ultimately it will be for the electorate to decide but I am confident that with this team we are putting our best foot forward.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 