Boost for Sinn Féin on South Dublin County Council

SINN FÉIN has increased its strength on South Dublin County Council as Councillor Dermot Richardson has announced that he is joining the republican party.

Richardson was elected as an Independent in the six-seat Tallaght South Ward alongside Sinn Féin's councillors Cathal King and Louise Dunne in the 2014 Local Elections – which saw Sinn Féin emerge as the largest party on the council for the first time.

Councillor Richardson's decision to join Sinn Féin increases the party's total on the council to 10 of the council's 40 seats.

Councillor Richardson said of his decision to join the party:

“I am delighted to announce I have joined Sinn Féin in this historic year of the centenary of the Easter Rising. I have worked with Sinn Féin since being elected to SDCC and this was an easy decision,” he said.

Councillor Richardson said it is his belief that Sinn Féin is the only party that represents working people in Ireland:

“As a republican, I want to be part of the most productive and hard-working party that will no doubt be in government in the near future, leading this State in a new and better direction for all citizens,” he said.

Dermot had previously worked alongside Sinn Féin in the 2002 General Election which saw Seán Crowe make a breakthrough and take a Dáil seat for the party in Dublin South West.

His decision was welcomed by Sinn Féin Group Leader Councillor Cathal King who described Dermot as “an excellent councillor, community activist and business leader”.

Councillor Louise Dunne praised Dermot's work on issues such as housing. Homelessness and funding for women's refuges, saying he has “proven himself to be an excellent activist”.