Sinn Féin have endured a tricky couple of weeks, to say the least, but there was a show of strength in Portlaoise this evening as party leader Mary Lou McDonald arrived to endorse Maria McCormack as their candidate for the impending General Election.
The Killeshin Hotel was alive with the electricity that only an election campaign can generate.
The RTE cameras were front and centre in the lobby. A selection of local and national journalists were there, Sinn Féin personalities like Dáire Hughes from Down, an MP, oversaw the formal proceedings of the selection while Kildare North TD Reada Cronin, former MP Michelle Gildernew and Offaly General Election candidate Aoife Masterson were among the crowd of 120+ supporters that gathered in the main ballroom to give standing ovation after standing ovation to the various speakers.
By comparison, their Local Election launch last April was held in the parish centre down the road and though it was a full house on that occasion in a smaller room, it was still only about half of the number that was here.
Observations like that count for little when it comes to polling day, of course, but the party loyalists on the ground in Laois were keen to point out, in their own words, that “they haven’t gone away”.
Mary Lou, of course, was the big name but the night was about Maria McCormack, now representing the party in the election, filling the vacancy left by Brian Stanley’s explosive resignation.
Stanley has been elected for Sinn Fein in each of the last three elections. He ran in the two before that as well. He’ll be in this one as an Independent.
One person who wasn’t in the Killeshin was his wife Caroline Dwane-Stanley, who remains in the party, but is certain to be canvassing for Brian. How that plays out will be another story.
Former Sinn Féin councillor Aidan Mullins wasn’t there either though Maria McCormack did say in her speech that she wanted to express her “deep appreciation” for his support.
“Everyone here knows Aidan and his life-long republican activities,” she said.
“He is highly respected for his active involvement in the struggle for a united Ireland for decades – and his leadership role in Laois.
“His public support for me at this time will help and encourage others to vote for Sinn Féin.”
“Sinn Fein is ready to fight for every single vote and every single seat,” said Mary Lou McDonald in her address.
“Over the next four weeks the determination of republicans to push the boundaries, and leave it all on the pitch, will be felt all across the 26 counties, nowhere more so than right here in county Laois.
“I know everyone in this room and beyond will move heaven and earth to re-elect a Sinn Fein TD for Laois.
“The Sinn Fein seat in Laois was hard won by the relentless work of many republican activists down through the years, selfless activists who understood that this isn’t about any individual but always about the bigger picture.
“It is a seat for the ordinary people of this county backed by Sinn Fein voters who believe that real change and a better future are possible. All of us together have the backs of workers and families in Laois.”
When the whole Brian Stanley saga broke at first, among the first Sinn Féin names mentioned as the likely General Election candidate was that of the Graiguecullen-based Aaron Kelly, who had performed strongest from their new slate of candidates in the Local Elections.
But Portlaoise based – and with a strong emphasis on female candidates – Maria McCormack was the chosen one. Mary Lou rang her herself to ask her.
When nominations closed on Sunday evening, there was only one name in the hat: Maria McCormack, a native of Ballyroan, a past student of Heywood, a Pharmacy Technician by profession, now a resident in Portlaoise with her husband and two young children and a woman who is deeply proud of her republican background. Her great-grandfather, Jim Lewis, from Morette near Emo, was one of the first Sinn Fein councillors.
Nominating her was Aaron Kelly, who spoke of his “immense pride and honour” at formally proposing her as the Sinn Fein candidate. Lorna Holohan-Garry, who has run in the last two Local Elections in the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick District, was the seconder. Helen Campion from Rathdowney, who also ran in the Locals, was also in attendance.
“In these transformative times for the party in Laois, where we have seen a false narrative of division and despair for the party, we come together as a strong Sinn Féin,” said Aaron Kelly.
“(We are) here to focus on the future, to focus on unity, to build on the Laois Sinn Féin structures and to ask voters to give Sinn Féin a chance after 100+ years of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
“Maria has worked tirelessly for different organisations throughout Laois such as the Womens Shed, Community First Responders, Families for Autism and Action to Homelessness where she has helped the most vulnerable in our society.
“Every conversation, every door knocked and every vote counts. Let’s work tirelessly to spread the Sinn Féin message throughout Laois that we have not gone away, we are only getting started.
“Together, we can drive change, we can retain the Sinn Féin seat we can make history by getting Maria McCormack elected as the first ever female Laois TD.”
“Maria McCormack is an outstanding community activist who cares deeply about this county, its present and its future,” added Mary Lou.
“She is a dedicated Irish republican and she will make a first class Teachta Dala for the people of Laois. A healthcare professional with years of experience, and a real passion for improving mental health services and youth services.
“Maria also knows about challenges. Her beautiful daughter with ASD, she understands first hand the barriers families face in getting the services their children deserves, whether it’s fighting for school places, for children with special needs, working for much needed improvements to transport and public infrastructure, supporting local businesses, standing up for family farmers, Maria McCormack will be the champion that Laois needs now and into the future.”
“It is so important that Sinn Fein holds onto its seat here in Laois,” said Maria herself.
“The Sinn Féin seat in Laois belongs to Sinn Féin. It does not belong to anyone in particular. Nor does it belong to any family in particular.
“In this constituency people voted for Sinn Fein in 2011, in 2016 and 2020 because they believe in a better future we can have with a Sinn Fein government.
“I believe they will vote for Sinn Féin and elect the first woman TD for Sinn Féin in Laois. I believe we can do it. Let us leave here tonight with Mary Lou’s words ringing in our ears and convince the people of Laois to believe they can do it as well.”
With the speeches done, they faced the tricolour and stood for the national anthem. Then it was time for more photos and selfies.
There’s no election date just yet but the race is certainly underway.
