TD visits Southwark to campaign for Irish candidates
Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne visited Southwark last weekend to support Liberal Democrat Irish candidates and candidates of Irish descent.
Southwark Liberal Democrats say that they are fielding several candidates in the local elections with close links to Ireland – including Rotherhithe candidate Sorcha Ní Chonghaile, who is from Dunboyne, local Lib Dem Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain who recently gained his Irish passport and has family from Kerry, Galway and Enniskillen, Surrey Docks candidate Rich Macmillan whose family are from Galway, and Surrey Docks Cllr Jane Salmon who was born in Ireland. Kathy Heather, Lib Dem candidate in South Bermondsey and founder of the Bermondsey Baby & Food Bank also has Irish heritage.
Southwark is home to around 6,000 people identifying as Irish according to the most recent census, the 7th most in London.
Commenting TD for Wicklow-Wexford Malcolm Byrne TD said: “I am delighted to support Sorcha and the Lib Dem candidates campaigning in London. Britain is home to so many Irish people and there are incredible links between our two countries. I’m always encouraged by Irish people who want to contribute to where they live when they move abroad, including through politics. In an era of global uncertainty, having people in politics with a positive vision and a desire to work together is never more important.”
Commenting, Sorcha Ní Chonghaile said:
“Having Malcolm’s support is a real boost for our candidates and for the Irish community here in Southwark.
With around 6,000 residents identifying as Irish, our borough has one of the largest Irish communities in London. That community deserves councillors who recognise its contribution and will champion its interests.
We’re gaining a lot of momentum in Rotherhithe and across Southwark, and residents are looking forward to having a stronger Irish voice on the council after May’s local elections.”
Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:
“I’m really proud of my Irish heritage, and I was delighted to recently receive my Irish passport. For many of us, that connection to Ireland is about family, culture and a shared story that stretches across generations.
Southwark Liberal Democrats are proud to be fielding so many candidates with deep Irish roots, and we’re determined to build a council that reflects the diversity, history and talent of the people who live here.
Liberal Democrats are also passionate Europeans committed to seeing a much closer relationship with Ireland and the EU and getting Britain back into the single marke and customs union to reverse the economic damage of Brexit.”