Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane has been unanimously selected as the Sinn Féin candidate to contest the next General Election. At a packed convention held in Waterford City, Deputy Cullinane was strongly supported by Sinn Féin members and local councillors. Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O’Neill addressed the convention.

Speaking at the convention, Deputy Cullinane said:

“I am delighted and humbled to be selected as the Sinn Féin candidate for the Waterford constituency. I thank party members and local councillors for their constant support.

“Since my election to the Dáil in 2016 I have stood up for Waterford and stood up for hard working families. I worked constructively to increase capacity at University Hospital Waterford, to support adults and children with disabilities, to improve mental health services, to support rural communities and to fight for increased investment.

“There is no doubt that certain Government Departments and agencies are failing Waterford. The battle to secure funding for a second Cath Lab, a new mortuary and revenue funding to recruit staff to open the new palliative care unit are real examples of an indifference shown by the Department of Health and the HSE.

“I will continue in the months ahead to work hard to ensure the funding promised for the North Quays and Waterford Airport is delivered. Equally I will continue in my work in ensuring that a University of International standing is delivered for Waterford and the region.

“I have at all times used my time in the Dáil to promote Waterford and to argue for increased investment where necessary. I have played by part in holding this Government to account. I have also worked constructively with others to help deliver more investment for Waterford.

“I want to see Waterford succeed. I want investment in public transport and infrastructure in rural towns and villages across the county. I have a vision for Waterford and what is possible if we are given the resources and tools needed to deliver.

“It has been a pleasure working with local trade unions, business groups, campaign groups and advocacy groups in my time in Leinster House. On key issues like health, housing, mental health and supporting people with disabilities I will continue this good work. I will also continue to work for Irish Unity and for fair policies to support hard working families. As Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Climate Action, protecting the environment in a fair and sustainable way will be a key priority.”

Speaking at the convention Michelle O’Neill MLA said:

“David will proudly go before the electorate and stand on his record. Over the next number of months he will set out in detail Sinn Féin’s vision for Waterford and for the island. Sinn Féin is fighting elections in the North and by-elections in the South on Republican politics. In the next number of months, David will go before the people of Waterford City and County and I think he is an excellent candidate who will stand up for working families.”