The Socialist Party has announced the candidacy of Caitríona Ní Chatháin for the directly elected mayor of Limerick, aligning the declaration with International Workers' Day on May 1st. This move underscores the party's commitment to a socialist and feminist agenda.
Former TD Ruth Coppinger highlighted Caitríona's background as a teacher, trade union activist, and her longstanding involvement with the ROSA Socialist Feminist Movement.
Caitríona Ní Chatháin and the Socialist Party have expressed concerns over the existing political focus in Limerick, which they claim prioritizes corporate interests and treats the mayoral office as a tool for attracting investors. Criticizing the high salary associated with the mayor's office, which exceeds €150,000, Ní Chatháin has vowed to reject this salary on principle, arguing that the city should be seen not as a commodity but as a community that needs nurturing.
The campaign also aims to address specific local healthcare issues, such as the overcrowding crisis at University Hospital Limerick. The Socialist Party intends to push for the reopening of previously closed A&E departments in the region, advocating for a single-tier public health service that is free at the point of need.
Ní Chatháin has emphasized the need for a grassroots campaign to reflect the widespread Irish solidarity with Palestine, particularly in opposition to the use of Shannon Airport by the US military for transporting munitions. The campaign seeks to mobilize workers at the airport and across Ireland to demand government action against any involvement in perceived war crimes.
Ní Chatháin's personal experiences with the housing crisis, including a 'no-fault' eviction notice after challenging an unlawful rent increase, have further motivated her candidacy. She aims to confront what she describes as the real causes of the housing crisis, targeting the actions and policies of the wealthy and major political parties like Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
Ruth Coppinger invited the public and activists to share their visions for Limerick, drawing inspiration from historical events such as the Limerick Soviet of 1919, when workers briefly took control of the city. The campaign hopes to elect a mayor who will represent the interests of workers and utilize the office to promote social and economic justice.
The official campaign launch for Caitríona Ní Chatháin is scheduled to take place at a public rally with Ruth Coppinger on May 9th at the Absolute Hotel in Limerick, marking the beginning of an ambitious drive to bring socialist feminist values to city governance.