Sinn Féin announces new candidate for Castlebar area

21 Mar 2024

Mayo News

SINN Féin’s newest local election candidate has pledged to advocate for carers if elected to Mayo County Council

Islandeady native Maura O’Sullivan was speaking folling her announcement as Sinn Féin’s second candidate for the Castlebar area in the June elections.

Described as a community activist and carers’ advocate, Ms O’Sullivan was officially ratified following a selection convention in the TF Royal Hotel & Theatre in Castlebar.

She joins Donna Hyland on the party’s ticket in the Castlebar Local Electoral Area and is the Sinn Féin’s eighth candidate to be selected to run for Mayo County Council.

Ms O’Sullivan is a long-time Sinn Féin member and volunteers for both Meals on Wheels and the weekly community group in Islandeady.

“I am passionate about the plight of carers in our community, and feel that their needs must be heard, and responded to in ways that actually help,” she said.

“I am a mother and grandmother and have spent much of my career as a qualified Health Care Support Worker. I also have extensive personal experience in care of the elderly from fulltime caring for my dear father who suffered from Alzheimer’s.”

Ms O’Sullivan also wants to assist new start-ups in the Castlebar area.

“Having been instrumental in setting up three small and successful businesses, I have the insight and knowledge to encourage, support and help to provide guidance for new business start-ups in our area,” she said.

The Islandeady woman believes that her lived experience will be a valuable asset to Mayo County Council, where there are currently only two female councillors out of 30.

“We only have two female councillors out of 30 on Mayo County Council which is unfortunately one of the lowest percentages of female councillors in the country. We need to see more balanced decision making and more diversity in our council chambers and I believe my lived experience can make a difference,” she said.

“I am standing in the 2024 local elections because I want to help bring about change. My personal experience as a carer, a volunteer and as a small business owner gives me an insight into the needs of the local people, and I will work to bring about real change. I want to offer support, care, and to promote the economic well-being of the people of our community,” she concluded.

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