Sean has served as a councillor in Kilkenny City from 2004 to 2014, and was elected Mayor of Kilkenny for 2012-13. Born in south Kerry, he lived in Dublin before moving to Kilkenny. He has worked as a teacher for 34 years.

I decided to run in this election as I’ve been involved in the Labour Party since I became involved in students politics as Deputy President of USI in 1986. Having been a borough councillor and Mayor in Kilkennny city, I was elected to Kilkenny County Council in June, regaining a seat in Kilkenny City after ten years. I felt now was the right time to fight to regain a seat for our party and values in Dáil Éireann.

The greatest issue facing Ireland now is the desperation felt by our young people. As the father of two young adults, they and their peers believe they have been locked out of access to housing, decently paid jobs, expensive further education and, in short, their right to independence that we, as their parents had at a younger age than them.

I would like my first speaking opportunity to be as Gaeilge and to be about the need for our nation to break off diplomatic relations with Israel until their murderous genocide in Gaza and Lebanon ends.