Green Party Selects Northside Coastal Candidates for General Election
The Green Party has announced its candidates for the upcoming general election on the north coast of Dublin, with veteran councillor David Healy selected to run in Dublin Bay North. This marks Healy’s sixth attempt at securing a Dáil seat, showcasing his dedication to representing the community in the national parliament.
Healy previously ran as the Green candidate in Dublin Bay North in 2020 and had four previous attempts in the precursor constituency, Dublin North East. Despite facing challenges in previous elections, Healy’s most successful bid came in 2020 when he secured 7% of first preferences, reflecting a strong nationwide performance for the Greens. However, he was ultimately the final candidate eliminated in that election.
In a more recent development, Healy emerged as the Greens’ sole survivor on Fingal County Council, as the party experienced a significant decrease in seats from five to one. Despite this setback, Healy managed to hold onto his seat in Howth-Malahide in June with 7.6% of first preferences, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to serving his constituents.
Changing Political Landscape in Dublin Bay North
Dublin Bay North is set to undergo a transformation in the upcoming general election, with two current TDs, Sean Haughey of Fianna Fáil and Richard Bruton of Fine Gael, announcing that they will not be seeking re-election. Additionally, Labour’s Aodhán Ó Ríordáin’s recent election to the European Parliament has created a vacancy that the party needs to fill with a new Dáil candidate.
Denise Mitchell of Sinn Féin, who topped the polls in 2020, is expected to seek re-election, while Cian O’Callaghan has been confirmed as the Social Democrats’ candidate. Fine Gael is running Aoibhinn Tormey and Naoise Ó Muirí in an effort to secure two seats in the constituency. Independent councillor Barry Heneghan, who recently won a seat on Dublin City Council, has also announced his candidacy for the Dáil.
Dublin Bay North straddles the boundaries of Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council, with various local electoral areas falling under each jurisdiction. The Green Party’s vote share in Clontarf and Donaghmede experienced declines compared to previous elections, indicating a shifting political landscape in the area.
In Clontarf, the Green Party’s vote share dropped from 14.4% in 2019 to 8.5% in 2024, while in Donaghmede, it decreased from 8.2% to 2.6% during the same period. Despite these challenges, Donna Cooney, the current Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, managed to retain her seat in Clontarf with a reduced majority, highlighting the importance of maintaining connections with the local community.
Greens Expand Presence in Dublin Fingal
In addition to the developments in Dublin Bay North, the Green Party is making strides in Dublin Fingal with Ian Carey set to appear on the ballot in the newly-created Dublin Fingal East constituency. This expansion signifies the party’s commitment to broadening its reach and representation in the region.
Dublin Fingal East is shaping up to be a competitive battleground, with Carey vying for a seat alongside other candidates such as Darragh O’Brien of Fianna Fáil, Alan Farrell of Fine Gael, and Duncan Smith of Labour. The newly created constituency presents a unique opportunity for the Greens to establish a stronger presence and advocate for their policies and values.
Meanwhile, Joe O’Brien will be seeking to maintain his seat in Dublin Fingal West, further cementing the Green Party’s presence in the Dublin Fingal region. Despite facing challenges in previous elections, the Greens remain steadfast in their commitment to representing the interests of the community and promoting sustainability and environmental conservation.
In conclusion, the Green Party’s selection of candidates in the northside coastal areas of Dublin reflects their dedication to grassroots engagement and community representation. With experienced politicians like David Healy leading the charge and new candidates like Ian Carey expanding their reach, the Greens are poised to make a meaningful impact in the upcoming general election. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Green Party remains committed to advocating for progressive policies and addressing the pressing issues facing the community.