Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin's move to Clontarf explained

My reasons for my move to the electoral area of Clontarf has created some interest amongst political writers.
Since my election as a Councillor in the North Inner City in 2004 I have been working tirelessly for the benefit of all those who live in this remarkable area of our city and I have been privileged to have been given the opportunity to pursue the issues that I greatly care about, primarily educational disadvantage.
However with my appointment as principal in my beloved school in Sheriff Street I consider it impossible to be able to represent the same area politically. Staying politically active in an area where I serve the community as a school Principal would lead to too many conflicts of interest and I need to be fully focused on the job at hand.
Simultaneously there is another constituency on my doorstep which is bereft of Labour Representation and with needs a strong Labour voice to promote those eternal ideals of equality, comminty and justice. I was asked by Labour members to consider to move to the Clontarf ward which includes Marino, Donnycarney, Fairview, Killester and Clontarf.
I am delighted to have the opportunity to represent a new area and I was honoured that the membership of Dublin North Cenral backed me to run for the Labour Party in the Clontarf ward in 2009.
I have begun working on important issues already, Croke Park Event day parking, the rezoning f Marino,m the proposed redevelopment of Clontarf Golf Club and the CCE dispute with the disbanded Clontarf Branch. This proud area of Dublin needs Labour. I am happy to provide that representation and hope that it will result in a council seat in 2009.