Local senator is Soc Dems’ new foreign affairs spokesperson

THE SOCIAL Democrats have appointed what the party describe as a “strong voice” on issues of foreign affairs and trade.

Carlow/Kilkenny senator Patricia Stephenson was announced last week as the party’s new foreign affairs and trade spokesperson by Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan.

“Senator Stephenson, who sits on the Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee, will now take on the role of spokesperson on foreign affairs and trade,” said Cian.

“Patricia has a huge level of experience in this area. Before being elected to the Seanad, she spent almost a decade working in international development, including six years living in East Africa,” he said.

Patricia is also a former EU diplomat, having worked for the EU delegation to Uganda in the governance and human rights department. She is also one of the Irish delegates to the Council of Europe.

“Given the geopolitical upheaval of recent times and escalating conflicts around the world, Patricia will be a strong voice when it comes to articulating the Social Democrats’ views on foreign affairs and trade. I wish her every success in the new role,” the acting leader concluded.