Laois Seanad candidate hopes to open Sinn Féin office in Portlaoise

Laois woman Maria McCormack has been selected as one of six Sinn Féin candidates for Seanad Éireann. 

She now hopes to open an office for Sinn Féin in Portlaoise to serve as a hub for the party’s Laois representatives.    

After suffering a bruising six months in Laois with the resignations of TD Brian Stanley and Councillors Aidan Mullins and Caroline Dwane Stanley, Sinn Féin is now aiming to strengthen representation in the county by nominating Maria McCormack to run for Seanad.

Party Leader Mary Lou McDonald said “today we nominated six candidates to contest the elections to Seanad Éireann.  This is a strong national team who if elected will join 39 TDs in the Dáil as a significant, very potent force in Irish political life.”

Ms McCormack, a dedicated advocate for families, carers, and people with disabilities, has been nominated for the Labour Panel in the 27th Seanad. She performed well in the recent general election, securing nearly 6,000 votes, and is determined to ensure Sinn Féin’s continued representation in Laois.

“It’s a great honour and privilege to contest the Seanad election,” Maria said. 

“The overwhelming support I received in the general election reflects the desire for change and the need for stronger representation for the people of Laois. I am committed to being that voice, advocating for the most vulnerable in our community, and delivering on Sinn Féin’s vision for real change,” she said. 

She said a key focus of her campaign will be advocating for people with disabilities and their carers and ensuring they have access to the supports they need. She will also prioritise mental health reform, affordable housing, and improved healthcare services.

“Mental health is an area that requires urgent action,” Maria emphasised. “We need to ensure people in Laois have access to timely, high-quality mental health services. I will work tirelessly to address these issues in Seanad Éireann.”

As a Sinn Féin representative, Maria has plans to further embed the party’s work in Laois.

“I hope to open an office in Portlaoise that will serve as a hub for myself and Sinn Féin’s local area representatives. This will ensure we remain accessible to the people of Laois and continue working together to address their needs,” she announced.

Maria’s professional experience in healthcare and her commitment as a community activist have shaped her passion for creating meaningful change.

“This campaign is about building a better future for all—ensuring carers and people with disabilities are prioritized, fixing our broken healthcare system, and making Laois a place where everyone can thrive,” Maria concluded.

Deputy McDonald  announced the party’s nominees by saying: “This is a strong national team who if elected will join 39 TDs in the Dáil as a significant, very potent force in Irish political life.”

She said central to their agenda will be advancing the planning and preparations for Irish re-unification.

“They are standing to represent the hopes and ambitions of the hundreds of thousands who voted for Sinn Féin and other parties because they believe politics must change.  People who want to see the housing crisis sorted, an end to the trolley crisis, support for families under pressure with the cost of living, hope and opportunity for our young people who are leaving our shores for a better future

“They will also be a strong and consistent voice for Irish reunification in the Oireachtas as we prepare for the constitutional change.  It is critical that we plan for and manage the change that is coming and the Seanad can play a leading role in that work,” said Dep McDonald. 

The candidates Sinn Féin Seanad candidates are:

Industrial and commercial panel Conor Murphy MLA

Cultural and educational panel – Pauline Tully

Agricultural panel – Joanne Collins

Labour panel – Chris Andrews and Maria McCormack

Administrative panel – Nicole Ryan