Sinn Féin adopt three-candidate strategy in Cavan Monaghan

Sinn Féin has decided on a three-candidate strategy in the upcoming General Election in Cavan and Monaghan following the selection of Cllr Cathy Bennett at the weekend to run alongside sitting TDs Matt Carthy and Pauline Tully.

The change in party tactics follows a decision by Monaghan-based Minister Heather Humphreys (FG) not to contest the election.

Both Deputy Carthy and Deputy Tully were selected at a convention in Cootehill on September 3 last. But party headquarters has now decided to add a third candidate in Cllr Bennett.

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, Deputy Carthy - who is also the party’s director of elections - said that it’s clear at this stage that this General Election will “come down to a choice between another Fine Gael-led government or the alternative to that” with Sinn Féin at the helm.

“Ultimately it will be the people who decide; but we have Pauline in Cavan and I would expect her to get a big vote because she has done a lot of work, particularly in the whole area of disability services.”

While, Deputy Tully is out on her own in South Cavan, her area is fringing on east Cavan, which is congested now with several candidates across all political divides vying for a seat in Dáil Eireann. This, however, doesn’t appear to faze Sinn Féin’s director of elections.

“Yes, the field in Cavan is crowded but we expect Pauline to win her seat,” added Deputy Carthy who topped the poll in GE 2020 and was elected on the first count.

“Myself and Cathy are covering Monaghan because there is a gap there now with Heather standing aside. I hope that my record will be enough to help me step into that breach and with Cathy in north Monaghan, the chance is there.”

But, is it a big ask for three Sinn Féin candidates to emerge victorious in Cavan Monaghan - in the face of falling poll ratings nationally?

“Yes,” concedes Deputy Carthy. “It is a big ask but, if we are going to do this anywhere, we will do it in Cavan Monaghan. I believe that when people see this election boiling down to the same again or the possibility of a real alternative to that - a government led by Sinn Féin - that is what they will choose; that is what they will vote for.

“This is a constituency that has been failed by the Government.

It has never been there for the communities here. Sinn Féin works with our communities every single day. Myself and Pauline are effective TDs and we want to increase our vote in this constituency so that we can be as effective in Government.”

Deputy Tully told the Celt that both she and Deputy Carthy wanted a third candidate to be added to the General Election ticket in Cavan Monaghan and is “delighted” that Cllr Bennett has been selected.

“We think that we can take the three seats in the Constituency,” continued Deputy Tully who was elected on the second count with 13,457 votes in GE 2020.

She also pointed to the “gap” that now needs to be filled following Minister Heather Humphreys’ decision to step away from politics at the next election. Fine Gael councillors David Maxwell, T.P. O’Reilly and Carmel Brady have all been selected by Fine Gael to run in the Constituency.

“We appreciate that Heather had a portfolio and was around both counties on a regular basis,” added Deputy Tully. “Heather had a lot of engagement on the ground but her decision to step aside has opened up the field. I’d be confident in the amount of work I have done for the people in the area.”

Meanwhile, the local Sinn Féin TD pointed to her 12 years experience on Cavan County Council prior to her election to the Upper House four years ago. “I know a lot of people and the Sinn Féin organisation is strong in both counties; that of course comes from it being a border constituency,” she continued before adding the electorate is aware that the way forward is through a “united Ireland”, something she believes Sinn Féin can deliver.

“The electorate also sees us as the only alternative to a Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael led government. I have been met with a range of issues on the doors from disability and the cost of living to fury over what some see as the waste of public money.

The experience on the campaign trail for me, so far, has been positive and I’m confident that Sinn Féin will return the TDs needed to provide an alternative government.”

Check the register

Deputy Tully also highlighted the importance of every member of the electorate going out and casting their vote on election day. She is advising everyone to check to make sure they are on the register of electors and, for those not in a position to physically cast their votes, the postal option is available to them and closes 48 hours before election day.

“It is crucial that people come out and vote,” she added. “It’s not too late for people to check the register and ensure they are on it, and that their details are correct. People need to come out and vote for the candidate they want in the next Dáil.”

Cllr Bennett is the current Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council and was first elected to the local authority in 2012. Speaking to The Anglo-Celt following her selection on Sunday night, she said the electorate “deserved and wanted to know” the policy positions of all who seek a mandate in this election.

“They want to know what each of the parties intend to do on key issues if they are to take the reins of government,” she continued before adding that housing, healthcare, childcare and the cost of living are all “big ticket” items.

“So too are the rights and entitlements of people with disabilities, of carers and of our children, not least those with special needs.”

Cllr Bennett went on to say that a female perspective on all the important issues is crucial.

She paid tribute to Minister Humphreys and pointed out that, so far, Cllr Bennet is the only Monaghan-based female candidate in the race.

“The electorate in Cavan and Monaghan can have confidence in our team.

The knowledge and experience that we have acquired over our years of service in elected public life equips us for the challenges ahead with Sinn Féin at the heart of Government. Let there be no mistake about it, that is where we intend to be.”