Sinn Féin has added a Kilkenny man to its Tipperary North General Election ticket.
Evan Barry, who ran for the party in the Kilkenny City local electoral area in the last Local Elections, was last night confirmed to run alongside Dan Harty in the controversial new constituency which includes 4,000 voters in North West Kilkenny.
Mr Barry, who works for Sinn Féin as a policy advisor and constituent advocate in Leinster House, says “I am delighted to be running alongside Dan Harty as a general election candidate for North Tipperary.
“The people of North Tipperary have the opportunity to elect a team of two hard-working Sinn Féin TDs to fight for them in Dáil Éireann.
“I want to be a voice for the people of North Tipperary and I will work night and day to stand up for them on the issues that matter.
“My decision stems from the recent boundary changes established by the Electoral Commission. Under these new arrangements, areas of northern Kilkenny, including Urlingford, Tullaroan, Freshford, and Johnstown, have been integrated into the Tipperary North constituency. I am running to ensure that the people of Kilkenny have a champion within this newly defined constituency. I will also be hugely supported in my campaign by former councillor for the area, Denis Hynes. Denis’ insights and commitment will be invaluable in representing our Kilkenny roots effectively within the broader Tipperary North constituency.
“My campaign will focus on making sure Kilkenny residents’ concerns are heard, securing improved funding allocation to the R963, ensuring improved amenities for rural areas along with tackling rural crime. I look forward to working with Dan and talking with voters throughout north Kilkenny, advocating for both Kilkenny and Tipperary in the Dáil. Together, we can ensure that our communities thrive with strong, inclusive representation.”
Dan Harty said; “I am delighted that Evan Barry is joining me as my running mate in North Tipperary. We are in it to win and will be fighting to return two hard-working TDs for this constituency.
“Evan is a committed activist from Kilkenny with deep roots in Tipperary. He would be an outstanding voice for the people of this area.
“His addition to the ticket sends the message loud and clear that Sinn Féin is contesting this election to secure a government of change.
“At this election, voters will face a clear choice. This is a choice between more of the same failed policies under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael or a vote for change through Sinn Féin. We have the ambition, the determination and the detailed policies to deliver real change. We will get to grips with the housing crisis, transform healthcare, cut childcare costs and invest in North Tipperary so it finally gets the opportunity to thrive.”
There are now 12 set to contest in TIpperary North.