Statement by Senator Maria Corrigan following her selection as Dublin South election candidate

It is an honour and a privilege for me to be selected tonight by the Fianna Fáil members in Dublin South to contest the forthcoming general election.

For the last 25 to 30 years the Dublin South constituency has been served very well by Fianna Fáil public representatives.  I will be working hard in the weeks that lie ahead to ensure there remains an effective voice for the concerns of the constituency in the next Dáil.

The people of Dublin South like so many around the country, are experiencing great difficulties.  These personal challenges are made more difficult to bear as the country is going through significant economic and financial challenges.

Dublin South has benefited significantly from investment in roads, transport, health services, education and sports & leisure facilities over the years.  That infrastructure remains and the campaign ahead will focus on further investment in social services and how best to reposition the country and create sustainable employment.

My goal is to ensure that we're in a position to step up and meet the challenges ahead as we have so many times as a country before.  I have been a public representative since 1999 and previously headed up the Psychology Department at St. John of Gods Services.  My work in the Seanad has focussed significantly on the important issues of Disability and Mental Health.  As the Government spokesman in the Seanad on this issue I have focussed on the need for continued investment in services despite the difficulties facing the public finances.

I want to pay tribute to those who have gone before me in Dublin South.  To Tim Kitt who is retiring from politics after years of dedicated service, and to the late Seamus Brennan who was a formidable politician and contributed greatly to the constituency and the country.  I will engage with the voters on the key issues and seek their support in this important campaign.

The difficulties facing families who need to be able to keep their homes and be able to pay their bills will be extremely important as is their desire to ensure a future full of opportunities for their children.  They are important issues to me and look forward to the campaign and the debate about the future for all our children and for our country.

The convention was chaired by the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey T.D.