Ian Noel Smyth of Aontú: “Social Democrats’ Daniel Ennis owes voters a full explanation. He must clear the air before voting day.”
Aontú by-election candidate Smyth says after almost a week of controversy, his SocDem opponent in Dublin Central should answer questions raised.
Ian Noel Smyth has called Social Democrats’ candidate Daniel Ennis to “clear the air” and answer lingering questions on his background, amid mounting controversy.
Cabra architect Smyth said: “In the interest of transparency and public trust, Daniel Ennis owes prospective voters an explanation on a number of matters.
“What was his association with the company whose director was fined for having illegal cigarettes? Will he tell us more about his role in the shop involved?”
The discount shop Daniel Ennis worked in from 2016 to 2023 – Dominic’s Crazy Deals in Tallaght – was raided in May 2022 and 44,000 contraband cigarettes, as well as €78,000 in cash, was seized and confiscated.
When elected to Dublin City Council in June 2024, Ennis did not declare his position in the company. The Social Democrats later stated this was because it was an unpaid role, during the relevant time. In the declaration of interests, Ennis omitted to put down how he was working for the party’s TD Gary Gannon, which has been described as an ‘oversight’.
Smyth added: “Councillor Ennis expects people to accept all of these things. It’s a difficult ask. People in the constituency need to hear a full explanation.
“The Social Democrats’ leadership needs to address the questions. The public deserve to know more about Ennis’s credibility before casting their vote on Friday.”
