The local Aontú cumann in Dublin Central has selected Ian Noel Smyth to represent the party in the upcoming by-election in the constituency. His candidacy has been ratified by Aontú’s Ard Chomhairle and party leadership.
Speaking following the selection of Mr Smyth, Party Leader Peadar Tóibín TD said:
“Dublin Central is perhaps one of the most neglected constituencies in the country. In recent years parts of the constituency have suffered significant decay, neglect, crime and poverty. O’Connell Street, the main street of the country is almost unrecognisable as drug addicts beg for money and food, as criminals beat up tourists. In 2023 we had a horrific situation where three children were stabbed in broad daylight outside a school in Dublin central, and what followed was riots which involved looting and public transport infrastructure set on fire”.
Deputy Tóibín continued: “This area is home to some of our most important and significant historical monuments. Last year it was revealed that the government had plans to turn the GPO into shopping units – the location where our freedom was fought for. Aontú was glad to protest against this development. Moore Street was once the cultural heart of Ireland and the most important battlefield in the country where the rebels of 1916 fought around its laneways as a tiny band of visionaries who were determined and dedicated to a true and free Republic. The street has been allowed to fall into decaying dereliction. Now it’s used by people for openair drinking, drug taking and to defecate. This is what Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael think of our historical and cultural heritage”.
“This constituency is suffering from crime and poverty. The endless chain of poverty, addiction, crime and homelessness in the city centre is not being tackled properly by the government. Families are suffering, children are hungry, and the criminals are winning the battle. Ian Noel Smyth, a native of Drumcondra, is a committed activist, dead set on improving his local area and addressing longstanding problems that others have ignored.”
Speaking on his selection, Mr Smyth said:
“I am delighted to be taking on this responsibility on behalf of Aontú. We have been the only credible opposition to this government who have continued to ignore the circumstances of ordinary people, cushioned themselves from accountability and forgotten whom it is they serve. In seeking to increase our Dáil representation by taking the seat in Dublin Central, Aontú will work to address the obvious crime problem in the inner city, as well as demanding investment in community services for older people and building on our record of talking truth to power on migration. We are growing across the country, and the public can see how we use their support to hold Ministers to account and are not afraid to challenge what we see as a derogation of responsibility in both local and national issues. I will be seeking the votes of the good people of Dublin Central to continue in that vein and I would earnestly ask for your support”.
