Green candidate for Dublin Central by-election pledges to ‘fight’ for area

The Green Party has chosen local councillor Janet Horner to be its candidate for the Dublin Central by-election.

Ms Horner, who is a trade union activist with a masters in politics, has pledged to “fight fearlessly for our area”.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Paschal Donohoe as finance minister and a Dublin Central TD to take up the second most senior position in the World Bank, as managing director and chief knowledge officer.

The constituency is a noteworthy one: it is the stomping ground of Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and also saw Gerry “The Monk” Hutch come close to getting a seat in the 2024 general election.

The Green Party was decimated in that election, falling from record high Dail representation of 12 seats to a single TD – Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman.

Speaking at her campaign launch on Wednesday, Mr O’Gorman said Ms Horner “is a person who lives her values”.

She has lived in England, Uganda and India working in politics, human rights and community development projects, is a trade union activist and was part of the Dublin Central Together for Yes campaign to repeal the eighth amendment in 2018.

She holds a degree in anthropology and development studies and a masters in politics and public policy.

“She has spoken up for the most vulnerable in her community and has been attacked for that, but this hasn’t silenced her,” Mr O’Gorman said.

“She sees diversity as our strength, and her proven track record in winning votes means she is a strong voice in this by-election.”

Ms Horner, who is the party chairperson and spokeswoman on foreign affairs, said the area needs new leadership.

“As a councillor and a long-term resident of the north inner city, I know the people of Dublin Central deserve a TD who will fight fearlessly for our area,” she said.

“I believe in the best of Dublin Central – we need leadership focused on action and solutions, rather than problems and fear, and that recognises and champions our area’s rich history and cultures.

“I’m running because Dublin Central needs a strong, new Green voice that puts community, care and culture at the heart of how we respond to the climate crisis and the uncertainty of the world around us.

“At a time when hard men are trying to profit from division and from exploiting our planet, I want to bring positive imagination to politics – building community and resilience, strengthening our social fabric, and supporting nature.

“We are stronger when we stand together. I want to see communities that look after one another and are united in our diversity. That is the vision I will bring to Dail Eireann, for the people of Dublin, and for the people of Ireland.”