Áine keeps it in the family for SF Dáil tilt

BAGENALSTOWN’S Áine Gladney Knox has been nominated to represent Sinn Féin in the general election for the Carlow/Kilkenny constituency.

Áine joined her father cllr Andy Gladney on the ballot paper for the party in the Muinebheag Local Electoral Area back in June. Although unsuccessful at local election level, Áine is now hoping to make her mark on national politics.

Her nomination was ratified at the Sinn Féin party convention in Kilkenny on Saturday, alongside Kilkenny woman Natasha Newsome Drennan, who was also a candidate in the local elections.

Áine told The Nationalist that it is a “great honour” to have been selected. “I believe that this general election offers the people of Carlow a unique opportunity to vote for someone who will work tirelessly on their behalf. I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead and I want to play my part in ensuring that Carlow for the first time ever elects a progressive voice to represent them.” Sinn Féin has held a seat in the constituency since Kathleen Funchion’s election in 2016. Her departure to Europe as an MEP has left a vacancy that the party will be hoping to fill.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate my friend Kathleen Funchion on her election to the European Parliament. She has been one of the most hardworking TDs for over eight years and her shoes are very large ones to fill.” Ms Funchion said: “Áine has a proven track record of advocating for the most vulnerable in her local community and is passionate about ensuring our communities are not forgotten.” The election hopeful has spent several years working in the beauty sector. She has been involved with the Fleadh Ceoil as an accommodation officer, combined with extensive experience in assisting her father in his role as local councillor.

Cllr Gladney added his voice to the well wishes: “Áine is determined to challenge Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on their failure to address housing and access to disability services for children throughout the county. I believe she will be a strong and hardworking candidate that will work for the benefit of Carlow.”