Politics

Former international referee to seek Dáil seat for Fianna Fáil in Wexford

Michelle O’Neill was an assistant referee at 2019 Women’s World Cup final

Former FAI referee Michelle O'Neill has retired from the game and will seek election. Photograph: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Former FAI referee Michelle O'Neill has retired from the game and will seek election. Photograph: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Jack Horgan-Jones
Fri Nov 01 2024 - 16:18

A high-profile international soccer referee who failed to take a council seat for Verona Murphy’s Wexford Independent Alliance is to seek a Dáil seat in Wexford for Fianna Fáil.

Party sources have confirmed that Michelle O’Neill, a Wexford native who was an assistant referee at the 2019 Women’s World Cup final, is to be added to the ticket in the four seat constituency alongside Minister of State James Browne.

The constituency is expected to be extremely competitive after a carve-up which saw its territory much reduced in last year’s Electoral Commission redrawing of Dáil constituencies. She will compete with Ms Murphy, Mr Browne, three Fine Gael candidates, a strong Labour candidate and a strong Aontú candidate - with persistent local rumours that former TD Mick Wallace may contest the election.

Ms O’Neill won 368 first preference votes as an Independent under the Wexford Independent Alliance banner in June’s local elections.

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Fianna Fáil said she is “one of the country’s most accomplished female referees with an impressive career in sports”. Ms O’Neill said she was “delighted” to be added to the ticket, saying she was a “very proud Wexford woman”.

“I am ready to work for the people of Wexford by being a strong local voice on issues facing my constituents. I am someone who has broken glass ceilings throughout my career, I pledge to continue to do that.”

Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times