Labour selects Ruth O’Dea to fight for Dublin Central

Labour selects Ruth O’Dea to fight for Dublin Central - The Labour Party

The Labour Party has selected Ruth O’Dea as its candidate for the upcoming Dublin Central by election. O’Dea, a long standing community activist and staff member in Deputy Marie Sherlock’s constituency office, will contest the seat on a platform focused on housing, public services and community integration.

The selection took place ahead of a packed convention in the Teachers’ Club today, where members backed O’Dea to contest for Labour.

Ruth O’Dea said:

“Every day I see the huge amount of work that needs to be done across Dublin Central. Families struggle to secure housing, parents fight for school places, and communities feel stretched. I have the experience, energy and insight to mount a strong campaign and to represent the people of Dublin Central.

“Labour’s values of fairness, justice and equality shape my life. I spent 11 years in Women’s Aid as Head of Training and Development and I felt proud to play a part in changing how Irish society understands and confronts domestic violence and abuse. As a feminist activist, I campaigned in the 1992 referendums, opposed the repressive 2002 amendment and worked tirelessly to repeal the Eighth Amendment in 2018. I believe in standing up, organising and winning change.”

O’Dea has lived in the north inner city for nearly 30 years, where she raised her family and built deep roots in the community. Her priorities include:

• Delivering safe and affordable homes in Dublin Central
• Securing a special school for Dublin 1
• Restarting and completing the Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire project
• Strengthening supports for families and tackling domestic abuse
• Building an inclusive and liveable city for all

“I want our city to be a liveable city where people can find safe and affordable homes and no child grows up in sub standard accommodation,” O’Dea added. “Dublin Central deserves better, and Labour will fight to deliver it.”

Deputy Marie Sherlock TD welcomed O’Dea’s selection and praised her commitment and record of service.

Deputy Sherlock said:

“Ruth is brilliant. She understands the pressures families face because she works with them every day. She is in touch with the issues on the ground across Dublin Central and she brings energy, compassion and steel to everything she does. She will make an excellent representative for our area.

“I look forward to hitting the ground running on this campaign with Ruth. Together we will offer a real alternative and take Labour’s message of fairness and equality to every doorstep in Dublin Central.”