White added to Sinn Fein ticket in Meath East

Cllr Maria White has been added to Sinn Fein's General Election ticket in Meath East.

Mornington-based Cllr White, who was was only elected to Meath Co Council in June will join sitting TD, Darren O'Rourke and hope to claim a second seat for the party in the now four-seater constituency.

Deputy O'Rourke congratulated his new running mate following a convention in Bettystown last night (Tuesday) in what would have been a welcome distraction for the party mired in high profile controversies this week.

"I’m delighted to announce that Cllr Maria White will join me on the ticket for the new 4-seat Meath East constituency in the upcoming General Election following a selection convention in Bettystown tonight."

Cllr White said she was "absolutely delighted and honoured" to be selected as the second Sinn Féin candidate for East Meath in the upcoming general election.

"This will be an exciting campaign. We are workers at Sinn Féin Ireland and we relish the opportunity to engage with our communities and share our vision and our policies for a better Ireland for all.

"I couldn't have a better running mate than Darren O'Rourke TD . He is such a hard working TD with seriously high standards, we make a great team in East Meath!"

Cllr White brings to 10, the number of declared candidates in a crowded Meath East field which changes from a three-seat to four-seat constituency following the Electoral Commission changes made in August 2023 that will see 14 additional TDs elected in the next election reflecting population growth.

They are:

Thomas Byrne {FF}

Caroline O’Reillly {FF}

Darren O’Rourke {SF}

Maria White {SF}

Helen McEntee {FG}

Sharon Tolan {FG}

Ruaidhrin Bonham {GR}

Emer Tóibín {AONTU}

Gillian Toole {IND}

Eilish Balfe {LAB}