Candidates Gear Up for Upcoming seanad Election
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Green Party Selects Sole Candidate
the Green Party has chosen Minister of State Malcolm Noonan as their sole candidate. noonan,who represents Carlow-Kilkenny and holds responsibility for heritage,will be running for the agricultural panel. Twelve party members initially expressed interest, but following an internal selection process, Noonan emerged as the chosen candidate. Outgoing senators Róisín Garvey and Vincent P Martin will not be seeking re-election. While most of the party’s ten TDs who lost their seats have opted out of running for the Seanad, Minister for Arts and Media Catherine Martin, will not be seeking a seat. However, Minister of State Ossian Smyth, who lost his Dáil seat, and Cllr Hazel Chu are vying for places on the Dublin University (Trinity college) panel. sinn Féin Fields Multiple Candidates
Sinn Féin has announced a slate of candidates, including Pauline Tully of Cavan-Monaghan and Chris Andrews of Dublin Bay South, who unexpectedly lost their Dáil seats. They will be running on vocational panels. The party is fielding up to seven candidates on “inside” sub-panels for the 43 vocational seats,including a candidate from Northern Ireland. “Inside” candidates require nominations from four Oireachtas members,each of whom can only nominate one person. In contrast, “outside” nominees must secure support from professional nominating bodies representing diverse sectors such as agriculture, the arts, industry, and commerce.sinn Féin Senators stepping Down
Two current sinn Féin senators, Fintan Warfield and Paul Gavan, will not be seeking re-election. At age 32, Warfield is the youngest retiree in the Oireachtas. He plans to pursue his musical passion full-time after serving two terms in the Seanad. Warfield is a guitarist and singer who performs traditional and folk music with his cousin,Derek Warfield,and their band,The Young wolf Tones. Gavan, who did not receive the backing of the party’s Ard Chomhairle to run as an “inside” candidate, has secured an outside nomination and will be running on the Labor panel.Independent and Labour Candidates Emerge
Former Fianna Fáil senator Eugene Murphy, who ran as an independent after failing to secure a spot on the party ticket in the general election in Galway-Roscommon, has secured an outside nomination to run on the agricultural panel as an Independent. Former Labour senator Kevin Humphreys, an organizer for Dublin West, has been appointed to fingal County Council as a temporary placeholder. This move allows the local branch to select a permanent replacement councilor through a full selection process, ensuring Labour retains its council vote for the Seanad elections. Incoming TDs, outgoing senators, and all local authority councillors can vote for the 43 vocational panel seats.Labour has four candidates in the Seanad election.## Archyde Interview: Green Party focuses on Agricultural Panel in Seanad Election
**Today on Archyde, we welcome Malcolm noonan, Minister of State for Heritage and Green Party TD for Carlow-kilkenny, who has been selected as the party’s sole candidate for the upcoming Seanad election.**
**Mr. Noonan, welcome to Archyde.**
**Malcolm Noonan:** Thank you for having me.
**The Green Party has a strong focus on environmental issues, but your selection for the agricultural panel might surprise some. Can you explain this decision?**
**MN:** Absolutely.While I am passionate about heritage preservation, I firmly believe that environmental sustainability is intertwined with our agricultural practices. Ireland’s farming community plays a crucial role in our national landscape and economy. We need innovative, enduring solutions to address challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security, and I intend to bring that Green Party perspective to the Seanad.
**Twelve party members initially expressed interest in running. What sets your candidacy apart?**
**MN:** The Green Party undertook a rigorous internal selection process.My experience as a TD, representing the needs and concerns of rural communities in Carlow-Kilkenny, combined with my deep commitment to environmental policy, I believe, presents a unique and valuable blend for the Seanad.
**What are your key priorities for the agricultural sector if elected?**
**MN:** My priorities are multifaceted. We must support farmers in transitioning to more sustainable farming practices,incentivizing regenerative agriculture,promoting agroforestry,and reducing reliance on chemical inputs. We need to ensure fair pricing for farmers while also ensuring affordable and nutritious food for everyone.
I want to champion policies that protect and restore our natural landscapes,recognizing the crucial role they play in a thriving agricultural ecosystem.
**Thank you for your insights, Mr. Noonan. We wish you the best of luck in the upcoming Seanad election.**
**MN:** Thank you for having me.
## Seanad Election Heats Up: A Conversation with Political Analyst Dr. Fiona O’Connell
**(Introduction Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to “Archyde Insights.” Today, we’re diving into the upcoming Seanad election, a crucial moment in Irish politics.
Joining me to unpack the key candidates, strategies, and potential outcomes is Dr. Fiona O’Connell, a leading political analyst at University College Dublin. Dr. O’Connell, thank you for being here.
**Dr. O’Connell:** It’s a pleasure to be here.The Seanad election is always captivating because it reflects the shifting dynamics within Irish society and political parties.
**host:** Absolutely. And this year seems notably engaging. let’s start with the Green Party.They seem to be taking a focused approach with just one candidate,Malcolm Noonan.
**Dr. O’Connell:** Precisely. This suggests a strategic decision by the Green Party. After losing a meaningful number of seats in the Dáil, they’re likely focusing their resources and efforts on ensuring Noonan’s success on the agricultural panel.
His experience as Minister for Heritage could be an asset in addressing critical issues related to rural progress and environmental sustainability – key concerns for the Green Party.
**Host:** Moving on to Sinn Féin, they seem to be taking a more expansive approach, fielding multiple candidates across various panels. What’s your take on their strategy?
**Dr. O’Connell:** Sinn Féin is capitalizing on its strong performance in the Dáil election. By fielding multiple candidates, including well-known figures like Pauline Tully and Chris Andrews, they’re aiming to expand their presence in the Seanad and further consolidate their position as a leading political force.
**Host:** We also see some notable individuals running as independents and on the labor panel. Can you elaborate on this trend?
**Dr. O’Connell**: The Seanad election frequently enough attracts individuals who may not be pursuing a traditional Dáil career. We see former TDs like Eugene Murphy seeking re-entry into politics through the Seanad. This highlights the appeal of the Seanad as a platform for experienced politicians with expertise in specific areas.
Furthermore, the Labour panel, historically known for its left-leaning representation, sees individuals like Paul Gavan running outside the traditional party framework. This suggests a perhaps fluid political landscape within the Seanad.
**Host:** So, what are the key issues likely to dominate this election campaign?
**Dr. O’Connell:** Given the current global climate, we can expect issues like the cost of living,
housing affordability, climate change mitigation, and healthcare reform to take center stage. The Seanad election will provide an important platform for debating these crucial challenges facing Ireland.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. O’Connell, for sharing your insightful analysis. It seems like this Seanad election will
be a captivating contest reflecting the evolving political landscape in Ireland.
**( Outro Music)**
