“Re-elect a Sinn Féin TD for Laois and help change the government.”
 
That was the message from Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald tonight as the party selected Maria McCormack to contest the imminent General Election. 
 
Ms McDonald said that people of Laois can help seize an historic opportunity to elect the first government in one hundred years not led by either Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.
 
She emphasised that the election is a chance for voters to choose a new government led by Sinn Féin that would put workers, families, and communities first.
 
The Sinn Féin Leader said;
 
“The only way to get the change of government and to get the new government that the people of Ireland need is to support and vote for Sinn Féin.
 
“The voters of Laois can play a big part in achieving that goal on election day.
 
“Voting for Sinn Féin’s Maria McCormack is the best way for the people of Laois to call time on governments led by Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael, and to grasp an historic opportunity to elect a new government for working people led by Sinn Féin.”
 
Teachta McDonald said that Ms McCormack is an outstanding candidate for Sinn Féin. 
 
“Maria is an outstanding community activist who cares deeply about this county, its present and its future. She is a dedicated Irish Republican, and she will make a first class Teachta Dála for the people of Laois.
 
“Maria is a healthcare professional with years of experience, and a real passion for improving mental health services and youth services.
 
“She also knows about challenges. Maria has a beautiful daughter with ASD, so she understands firsthand first the barriers families face in getting the services children deserve.
 
“Whether it’s fighting for school places for children with special needs, working for much needed improvements to transport and public infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and standing up for family farmers – Maria McCormack will be the champion Laois needs now and for the future. 
 
“The Sinn Féin seat in Laois was hard won by the relentless work of many republican activists down through the years.
 
“Selfless activists who understood that this is not about any individual but always about the bigger picture.
 
“It is a seat for the ordinary people of this county, backed by Sinn Féin voters who believe that real change and a better future is possible.
 
“We are out to win this seat because this party – all of us together – have the backs of workers and families in Laois. They again look to us to stand up for them, to represent them, to defend their interests and to deliver results for them.”
 
ENDS