US emigrants' champion nominated by Sinn Féin as Independent member for Seanad

THE CO-FOUNDER in the United States of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, Mayo man Ciaran Staunton, has been nominated by Sinn Féin as an Independent candidate in the Seanad elections and as “a voice for the Diaspora”.

Ciaran Staunton has lived in the United States since the 1980s and has been a long-time leader on immigration issues.

In 1990, he was involved in the campaign which saw the introduction of the Morrison Visa programme that opened the door to thousands of Irish citizens being able to legally enter the USA.

In 2005, Ciaran co-founded the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. The ILIR is the leading Irish-American organisation campaigning for immigration reform and the resolution of the status of the 50,000 undocumented Irish immigrants living in the USA.

Ciaran has met the most senior political leaders in the USA as part of this work. He has lobbied the White House, the Congress and Senate. He has also been a frequent visitor to the Dáil, where he has briefed the Irish government and Oireachtas members.”

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said:

“Ciaran Staunton has been a vocal and effective champion for Irish immigrants for almost 30 years. There are approximately 70million citizens across the globe who claim Irish roots.

“In the last ten years, almost half a million more have left these shores for all parts of the globe. Every townland and parish the length and breadth of Ireland has a son or daughter in the Diaspora.

“Sinn Féin believes that much more must be done to develop and strengthen our relationship with the Diaspora. This objective can be enhanced with a strong, dedicated voice in the Oireachtas, someone who will fight for the rights of the undocumented in the USA, for votes for Irish citizens living abroad, for improved connectedness between the island of Ireland and our Diaspora, and for a united Ireland.

“I believe that Ciaran Staunton has the experience and commitment to be that voice.”