Carlow woman Cynthia Ní Mhurchú’s to run for Fianna Fáil in the European Elections.
She began as a primary school teacher in Carlow and has worked as a bi-lingual broadcaster and journalist for a range of media organisations, including RTÉ, Raidió na Gaeltachta, the Sunday Independent and the Sunday Tribune, and is well-remembered for co-hosting the infamous “Riverdance” Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin in 1994.
For close to three decades she’s worked as a barrister.
Cynthia joins current MEP Billy Kelleher on the Ireland South ticket for the party for June and she says; “It is a great honour to be selected to represent Fianna Fáil in Ireland South in the upcoming European Elections. I have reached a stage in my professional life where I believe my extensive experience, broad skillset and personal qualities would be an asset to the European Parliament. I have a proven track record in education, media & communications and law and am deeply committed to the Irish Language, culture and arts.”
“Beidh mé ag rith feachtas dhá-theangach, agus ag díriú ar an nGaeilge a chur chu cinn san Aontas Eorpach, chun tacú le stadas oifigiúil na teanga sa Pharlaimint Eorpach ó 2022”.
“My priorities for the people of Ireland South is to be a strong voice for the region in Europe, to focus on increased regional development, along with fighting for a just transition for Ireland, as we strive to reach our carbon targets in the years ahead. I also have a particular interest in both Family Law and internet safety for all, but especially for our young people. I will work hard to promote Ireland and the South in the EU and ensure policies favourable to Ireland and our citizens are promoted and achieved.
“I look forward to hitting the ground running, meeting with and talking to people about why Europe matters, and how its policies can improve the lives of people and communities of Ireland South. Beirimis bua le chéile. “
Commenting on the addition, Fianna Fáil’s Director of Elections, Minister Darragh O’Brien TD, said, “Gabhaim comhghairdeas le Cynthia as a bheith roghnaithe. She is an excellent addition to the Ireland South ticket. Cynthia is a very accomplished candidate, who brings a wealth of experience to the campaign. She has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to public service and community throughout her career and would make a great MEP for the region. In Cynthia, we have another strong Fianna Fáil European candidate, along with MEP Billy Kelleher, who will work tirelessly for the people of Ireland South.”
Local Councillor Fintan Phelan had secured the backing of colleagues locally to run but it appears those hopes have been dashed for now.
Minister O’Brien notes; “I would also like to thank Councillor Fintan Phelan for participating in the process and I wish him well in the upcoming Local Elections and in his bright political future.”
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú spoke to our news reporter Martin Quilty and you can hear the full interview below
