Daisy Dares Done Deal Drubbing Disruption

Taking it to the streets…

atest press release from Wicklow Sinn Féin Office, issued on Monday, June 6th 2022…

As the AGM of Bray Municipal District comes around in June, Cllr Dermot ‘Daisy’ O’Brien will present himself to his fellow Cllrs once again for selection to a leadership role.

“Some people would ask why I bother to seek nomination to the chair or vice-chair role because they see it as already a ‘done deal’,” says O’Brien, “and I will just end up losing again.

“After all, I have lost every year so far.

“While this may be true, I believe that it’s important to present yourself for selection regardless of how predictable the outcome might be. It is also important to be consistent in the authenticity of why you want to lead.

“For me there are a number of reasons. First of all, I would suggest that I have a responsibility to lead based on the mandate given to my party at the elections in 2019. Sinn Féin returned two councillors in Grace McManus and me. Some would suggest that with a quarter of the seats on a council of 8 that we should feel entitled to the role of chairperson over a five-year term. In reality, it has not worked out that way.

“I sincerely feel that I am well equipped to take on a leadership role. In my youth work, community and education roles throughout my career I’ve had so much experience managing dynamic groups, collaborating to achieve goals, facing challenges with integrity and determination, holding space for inclusive and equal participation and most importantly placing a high value on accountability.

“It would be an honour for me to bring those skills to a leadership role in my local Council but alas the game of politics cares very little for honour, entitlement, merit, mandate, or credentials.

“Needless to say, I will seek nomination and support from my fellow Councillors at the AGM and beyond that we shall see what happens.”