Limerick County Election 2024: A Battle for Three Seats

Fifteen candidates are vying for three seats in the Limerick County constituency in the upcoming general election, scheduled for Friday. This rural constituency, with boundaries unchanged since 2020, covers a vast area from Abbeyfeale in the west to Kilbehenny, encompassing the Shannon Estuary and Ballyhouras. The race is shaping up to be a highly competitive one, with a mix of established politicians, political newcomers, and independent candidates. The election promises to be a fascinating contest.

The Incumbents and Their Challenges

Three sitting TDs with national profiles are seeking re-election: Patrick O’Donovan (Fine Gael), Niall Collins (Fianna Fáil), and Richard O’Donoghue (Independent Ireland). O’Donovan, currently Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, has held his seat since 2011. Collins, Minister of State for Skills and Further Education since 2020, has been a TD since 2007. O’Donoghue, elected as an Independent in 2020 and now General Secretary of Independent Ireland, will be hoping to maintain his position. With only three seats available, these incumbents face a significant challenge from both established parties and rising independent candidates.

A Fight for Additional Seats

The larger parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, are aiming to expand their representation by securing an additional seat. Meanwhile, smaller parties are working to boost their standing, hoping to gain at least one seat. Many parties have strategically nominated only one candidate, a tactic that could prove advantageous. However, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have each put forward two candidates, reflecting their ambition to dominate the constituency.

A Diverse Field of Candidates

The election features a diverse range of candidates with varying backgrounds and political affiliations. Fine Gael has nominated Patrick O’Donovan and Noreen Stokes, a local councillor. Fianna Fáil's candidates are Niall Collins and Bridie Collins, another local councillor. Richard O’Donoghue is running again as an Independent. Joanne Collins represents Sinn Féin, bringing a fresh perspective to the race. Other candidates include:

Jim Barrett (Independent): A former Irish Rail employee, small farmer, and bicycle hire business owner involved in community development and tourism promotion. He’s focused on preserving the old Limerick to Kerry rail line. His candidacy is described as him answering to the people and not the party. This mirrors many of the sentiments of other independent candidates. His campaign focuses heavily on local issues. He also intends to contest a seat in the Limerick County constituency.
Richie Crehan (Independent): Campaigning on abolishing USC, Inheritance Tax, and the TV licence fee.
Laura Fahy (People Before Profit-Solidarity): A mother and homemaker aiming to represent the concerns of families.
Rob O’Donnell (Green Party): Passionate about reviving rural areas and valuing Irish culture and tradition. He’s currently part of MEP Grace O’Sullivan’s constituency staff.
Donna O’Loughlin (Irish Freedom Party): Advocating for better HSE services for special needs children, reduced hospital waiting times, controlled immigration, and lower employer PRSI for small businesses. Her manifesto shows her focus on local issues. She has been active in campaigning for several years.
Lorraine O’Sullivan (The Irish People): Seeking to reduce health waiting lists, increase prison capacity, boost mental health funding, and abolish property tax. She’s been vocal about providing more resources for mental health services.
Michael Ryan (Aontú): A long-time community activist and former school principal.
April Sheehan Corkery (Independent): A disabled part-time horse and pony breeder focused on infrastructure, agriculture, housing, and youth issues.
Gerben Uunk (Party for Animal Welfare): Campaigning for animal rights, affordable housing, and environmental protection. He also opposes the development of a gas storage facility.

Pallasgreen: A Key Battleground

Pallasgreen appears to be a significant battleground in this election. Fine Gael's Noreen Stokes and the Green Party's Rob O’Donnell hail from this village, highlighting its importance in the broader electoral contest. Aontú's Michael Ryan also comes from Pallasgreen. This level of competition in a single area underscores the importance of securing local votes.

The Stakes Are High

The Limerick County election is a crucial contest, representing not only the political future of the constituency but also the broader dynamics of Irish politics. The outcome will impact the balance of power in Dáil Éireann and shape policy priorities. The race is close, and the result will depend on voter turnout and the ability of the candidates to connect with the electorate. The diverse range of candidates and their varying agendas ensure that voters have a diverse range of choices.

A County's Hope: The Future of Limerick

The upcoming election in Limerick County is about more than just electing representatives; it's about shaping the future of the area. Each candidate brings a unique vision for the county, promising improvements in various sectors – from healthcare and education to infrastructure and economic development. The outcome will significantly impact the lives of the people in Limerick County, influencing crucial decisions regarding healthcare, education, the economy and infrastructure development. The diversity of candidates represents the varied concerns within the constituency.