Academic and lawyer Maeve O’Rourke to run for Seanad
Academic and lawyer Maeve O’Rourke is running for a Seanad byelection seat with support from the Social Democrats and Labour Party. She aims to leverage her background in human rights advocacy to address issues like institutional abuse and elder care.
Why it matters
The outcome of this byelection could influence the political balance in the Irish Seanad and highlights the role of independent candidates with party backing.
Academic and lawyer Maeve O’Rourke is planning to run in next month’s Seanad byelection to fill the seat vacated by Fine Gael ’s Seán Kyne.
O’Rourke, who has built a national profile as an advocate and expert on issues relating to the Magdalene laundries , mother and baby homes , forced adoption and institutional abuse, is currently working as a senior lecturer at the School of Law in the University of Galway .
She will run as an Independent but has secured the backing of the Social Democrats and the Labour Party . She is expected to formally announce her candidacy for the byelection on Friday, once her eligibility to fill the seat on the cultural and educational panel has been confirmed by the Seanad returning officer.
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