Sinéad Gibney
Sinéad Gibney | |
|---|---|
| Teachta Dála | |
| Assumed office November 2024 | |
| Constituency | Dublin Rathdown |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Social Democrats |
Sinéad Gibney is an Irish Social Democrats politician who has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Dublin Rathdown constituency since the 2024 general election.[1]
Background
[edit]Before entering politics, Gibney was the Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.[2] Gibney resigned from the position ahead of her entering national politics in 2024. Gibney was previously Chair of the single-parent support organisation "One Family".[3]
Political career
[edit]Gibney ran for a seat on Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council in the Blackrock area in the 2019 Irish local elections on behalf of the Social Democrats, but was not successful. In 2024, she stood for the party in Dublin in the 2024 European Parliament election in Ireland, placing 9th. Following the European elections, Sinéad Gibney publicly discussed the financial cost of campaigning on such a large scale, revealing a personal loss of €20,000 after falling just 440 votes short of the 18,836 required to reclaim her €1,800 deposit. Running in the Dublin constituency, Gibney sold her car to help fund her campaign, raised €15,000 through crowdfunding, and received €25,000 from the Social Democrats, with total expenses amounting to €60,000. Speaking after her elimination, she described the outcome as "gut-wrenching" and highlighted the challenges faced by smaller parties with limited resources.[2][4]
In May 2024, Gibney’s decision to step down as IHREC chief commissioner to run for the European Parliament raised concerns about politicisation and conflicts of interest. Internal meetings acknowledged risks to IHREC’s impartiality, leading to governance measures like updating its risk register and limiting Gibney’s duties. While no conflicts were logged, her attendance at a leadership forum against most commissioners’ advice drew criticism. Gibney defended her actions, citing her commitment to a professional handover. She denied her departure was tied to pay discussions and highlighted personal financial sacrifices for her campaign, amid earlier informal talks with the Social Democrats.[5]
In December 2024 she was elected to Dáil Eireann during the 2024 general election.[1]
Political views
[edit]Gibney supported both Yes posistions in the 2024 Irish constitutional referendums.[3]
Gibney has stated she supports addressing the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence with a focus on its potential to create a more balanced working life and increase leisure time. She views AI as a progressive force if managed effectively, rather than solely as a threat to jobs.[3]
In March 2024 Gibney criticised housing policy delays in the EU, particularly Green MEP Ciarán Cuffe's late push for an EU-wide housing plan, which she believes should have been prioritised earlier.[3]
Gibney has expressed disappointment in Clare Daly’s comments on Russia and China but commended Daly’s stance on Palestine.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "General Election 2024 Live Results Dublin Rathdown". RTÉ News. 1 December 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
- ^ a b McNally, Tadgh (13 June 2024). "Falling short can cost candidates thousands". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Gataveckaite, Gabija (9 March 2024). "Social Democrats MEP hopeful Sinéad Gibney talks lone parenting, AI and her ordeal with a stalker". Irish Independent. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
- ^ McQuinn, Cormac (13 June 2024). "Sinéad Gibney says she lost €20,000 in unsuccessful bid for European Parliament". Irish Times. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
- ^ Horgan-Jones, Jack (14 May 2024). "IHREC fretted about perceived 'politicisation' after Sinéad Gibney stepped down to run for Europe". Irish Times. Retrieved 1 December 2024.