New candidate in race to become Limerick's first directly elected mayor

THERE is a new entry into the race to become Limerick’s directly elected mayor with the Rabharta party revealing their hand.

Rabharta, the party for workers and carers, has announced that public health scientist Dr Laura Keyes will contest the election which takes place on Friday, June 7.

Rabharta, which came following a breakaway from the Green Party, revealed their candidate at a special press launch on Thursday last at Dr Keyes’s home on the city’s northside.

A disability rights activist, Dr Keyes works in a senior research management role.

Her mayoral programme for Limerick is focused on accessibility, open democracy, social justice, climate action and housing.
“As a public health scientist, I have extensive expertise in problem solving and evidenced based decision making. I have spent most of my career co-ordinating large-scale programmes, developing strategy and working with the public, national organisations and government departments to design positive change,” she said.

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Dr Keyes continued: "I want to deal with the very serious problems people face in Limerick, from a dysfunctional hospital to a failed regeneration process that has left people behind. If elected as your mayor, I will ensure accessibility underpins all actions and plans."

Rabharta leader Lorna Bogue said: "As a Limerick person myself, I want this mayoral role to work for the people of Limerick and I can think of nobody better than Dr Laura Keyes to do it. Across Europe directly elected mayors are powerful actors for local government. Limerick needs someone who will really champion the whole county to secure accessibility, health and social care services, transport and infrastructural development nationally and internationally."

Dr Keyes becomes the seventh person to formally put their name forward in the directly elected mayoral election.

Rabharta has also selected one candidate so far to run in Limerick at the local election.

Michael O’Brien will seek a seat in City East.