Former Laois Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley getting 'loads of support' in General Election bid
TD says he hasn't put 'foot wrong' in handling of controversy
Laois independent TD Brian Stanley is getting ‘loads’ of support but believes he is in a battle to retain a seat he has held for Sinn Féin since 2011.
Speaking to the Leinster Express / Laois in Portlaoise for the first time since he quit Sinn Féin amid a wave of controversy, he said he would work with opposition and possibly Government if re-elected.
He remained tightlipped on controversy that saw him leave Sinn Féin but said he and his legal team have not ‘put a foot wrong’ in their response to the controversy which has grabbed national headlines.
The Laois Offaly TD announced this week that he would face the electorate for his fourth General Election as an ‘independent Republican’.
“I have a hill to climb. It is obviously going to be a challenge. I am getting good support. I have a number of people who have committed good support to me including former Sinn Féin members and people who never canvassed for me before. I’m getting loads of encouragement,” he said.
He added that he was facing a ‘battle’ but the signs are positive.
“The early signs of support I am getting shows me that I have a chance. Certainly the people who are encouraging me are saying ‘go for it, we are behind you’. I will do my best for it.
The Portlaoise based politician said there are important issues that he wants to tackle after the General Election.
“There are important issues to be dealt with in the next Dáil by the new Government whenever it is formed. If I get elected, and I don’t want to be in any way presumptuous about that, I will give it my best shot and will make sure that I am putting my best foot forward for people in Laois weather I am on the opposition benches or a different bench that will be all the one; I will work with like minded people in the Dáil.
“There are plenty of good independent TDs. I will work with them and if some of the political parties are putting forward good ideas I will support them too. If they are not I will try to make sure that is corrected and I will make sure the Government is held to account,” he said.
The Leinster Express / Laois Live also asked Dep Stanley about the controversy which had led to his resignation.
In replg, he pointed to legal advice which meant he would not be commenting.
“In fairness to my legal representative, we haven’t put a foot wrong so far and I will abide by that and that will continue,” he said.
Dep Stanley said he had been swayed by support received in recent weeks to continue with his career as a TD and run in the General Election.
The TD spoke to Leinster Express / Laois Live on the same day as former Sinn Féin local election candidate Maria McCormack announced that she would run for the Dáil.
The TD made his comments at an event in Laois County Council to honour Laois man and IFA President Francie Gorman.
Dep Stanley, who sat beside his wife and Sinn Féin councillor Caroline Dwane-Stanley at the event, spoke in praise of Mr Gorman’s achievement at the event.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have opted against selected second candidates in the new three seat constituency.