Louth branch of Social Democrats appoints new chairperson

The Louth branch of the Social Democrats has announced the appointment of a new chairperson, Peter Murphy, to the party.

At its recent AGM, Mr Murphy was appointed to succeed Niall McCreanor, who held the position for three years, and is set to run in the 2024 local election in the Ardee Local Electoral Area, the first Social Democrats candidate to do so.

Commenting at the AGM, Niall McCreanor said: “I am delighted that Peter Murphy will be taking over as the Chair of the Louth branch of the Social Democrats.

"Peter brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that I believe will steer our branch towards a promising horizon. His dedication and foresight are exactly what we need at this juncture, and I am genuinely excited to support him in his new role.

"I am confident that under Peter’s capable leadership, our branch will flourish and continue to uphold the values we hold dear. I look forward to witnessing the remarkable journey of growth and success that undoubtedly lies ahead for the Louth Social Democrats under Peter’s stewardship."

A full-time teacher of Health at Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education Dundalk, Peter Murphy was active in the Together for Yes Repeal the Eighth campaign and led the Yes campaign for Marriage Equality in his hometown of Tramore, County Waterford.

With his appointment to the Social Democrats, Murphy says he is eager to bring his skills and experience to the party, who are preparing to launch a comprehensive campaign ahead of the upcoming local and general elections.

Commenting on his recent appointment, Peter Murphy said: "I am very proud to be a part of the Social Democrats and am looking forward to leading the branch into our first election campaign in Louth.

"The Social Democrats put equality, fairness and inclusion at the heart of their policies and decision making and I’m genuinely excited for the positive change that our branch can bring to the constituents of Ardee / Dunleer in particular”.

He continued: “There is a huge appetite for change right now, and the Social Democrats reflect the kind of progressive change that, we believe, most people want to see.

"Niall McCreanor is a dedicated and passionate social democrat and will work hard for the needs of the constituents here in Louth.

^{Above: Niall McCreanor}

"In the coming months, we will be out and about meeting, speaking with and most importantly, listening to the local community as we highlight our campaign for the 2024 Local Elections and what a vote for Niall and the Social Democrats will mean”.

The Social Democrats says it has a mandate that focuses on "investment: investment in people, investment in homes, in healthcare, in transport, in the environment and in time".

It says its primary focus in government will be on "honest politics, housing, climate and nature, disability services, cost of living and improving healthcare through the implementation of Sláintecare". 

At a local level, Social Democrats candidate, Niall McCreanor’s focus for the Ardee constituency is preserving the local heritage, including opening Ardee Castle, reopening Dunleer train station, revitalising local businesses, creating more job opportunities, accessible and affordable homes, promotion of sustainable practices for a greener community and enhancing educational access for all children in the area. 

The Social Democrats are urging those interested in joining the party and supporting their policy for change to reach out to them. You can do so by email: Louth@socialdemocrats.ie. Further information is available on socialdemocrats.ie.