ⓒ Irish Times
Former Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley secured a Dáil seat in Laois, despite facing numerous accusations during the election campaign. Stanley claims that these accusations, ranging from unspecified allegations to claims of a concerted effort to prevent his candidacy, were leveled against him persistently, right up to the eve of the election.
He attributes his success to a positive campaign focused on the needs of Laois families and workers, overcoming challenges such as a lack of party support and the defection of some former Sinn Féin canvassers. Stanley expressed relief at his independence from Sinn Féin, citing a ‘toxic element’ within the party in Laois that he felt was unsafe to work with. He detailed his concerns, pointing to internal difficulties, control issues, and questionable activities within the party.
Looking ahead, Stanley intends to prioritize affordable housing, improved healthcare services, and infrastructure development in Laois. Despite his criticisms of Sinn Féin, he remains open to supporting policies beneficial to low and middle-income families aligning with his left-wing republican ideals. His focus remains on improving public services, fairness, and transparency in government spending.
Stanley admitted to initial hesitation to run as an independent candidate following his controversial departure from Sinn Féin, stemming from an internal inquiry into allegations of gross misconduct. However, the encouragement of a group of women and the positive reception during the initial canvassing hours solidified his decision. He emphasized the invaluable support of his family and community throughout his campaign.
