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Nick Rabbitts, 21 Mar
THERE is a new entry into the race to become Limerick’s directly
elected mayor with the Rabharta party revealing their hand.
Rabharta, the party for workers and carers, has announced that public
health scientist Dr Laura Keyes will contest the election which takes
place on Friday, June 7.
Rabharta, which came following a breakaway from the Green Party,
revealed their candidate at a special press launch on Thursday last at
Dr Keyes’s home on the city’s northside.
A disability rights activist, Dr Keyes works in a senior research
management role.
Her mayoral programme for Limerick is focused on accessibility, open
democracy, social justice, climate action and housing.
“As a public health scientist, I have extensive expertise in problem
solving and evidenced based decision making. I have spent most of my
career co-ordinating large-scale programmes, developing strategy and
working with the public, national organisations and government
departments to design positive change,” she said.
READ MORE: TD hopes for ‘good spread’ in the mayoral election
Dr Keyes continued: "I want to deal with the very serious problems
people face in Limerick, from a dysfunctional hospital to a failed
regeneration process that has left people behind. If elected as your
mayor, I will ensure accessibility underpins all actions and plans."
Rabharta leader Lorna Bogue said: "As a Limerick person myself, I want
this mayoral role to work for the people of Limerick and I can think of
nobody better than Dr Laura Keyes to do it. Across Europe directly
elected mayors are powerful actors for local government. Limerick needs
someone who will really champion the whole county to secure
accessibility, health and social care services, transport and
infrastructural development nationally and internationally."
Dr Keyes becomes the seventh person to formally put their name forward
in the directly elected mayoral election.
Rabharta has also selected one candidate so far to run in Limerick at
the local election.
Michael O’Brien will seek a seat in City East.