OUTGOING MEPS: Eoin Ryan, Prionsias de Rossa, Gay Mitchell, Mary Lou McDonald
Eibhlin Byrne
Fianna Fáil
The mother-of-three was elected Lord Mayor of Dublin last June. As well as working as a teacher and running student exchange programmes, she worked with the Depaul Trust and, most recently the Daughters of Charity. She has been a member of Dublin City Council since 2003. www.fiannafail.ie
Deirdre de Burca
Green Party
A former primary school teacher, originally from Loughlinstown, Co Dublin, she worked with Rehab and was involved in mental health initiatives. First elected to Wicklow county council in 1999 and unsuccessfully ran as a Green Party general election candidate twice before being nominated to the Seanad in August 2007.
www.deirdredeburca.ie
Joe Higgins
Socialist Party
The Kerryman was first elected to Dublin county council in 1991 and later sat on Fingal county council before being elected the Dáil in 1997. In 2003, he was sent to Mountjoy Prison for a month over his opposition to bin tax. Narrowly lost his seat in 2007 general election. Also ran for Europe in 2004. www.joehiggins.eu
Mary Lou McDonald
Sinn Féin
Became Sinn Féin's first MEP when she was elected for Dublin in 2004. She studied at Trinity College, the University of Limerick and Dublin City University before working with the Irish Productivity Centre, the Institute of European Affairs and the Educational and Training Services Trust. Vice president of Sinn Féin. www.sinnfeineu.com
Patricia McKenna
Independent
IShe announced last week she was leaving the Green Party and would stand as an Independent. Became Ireland’s first Green Party MEP when she topped the poll in Dublin in 1994 elections. Re-elected in 1999 but lost in last election. Originally from Monaghan, she is a former teacher.www.europarl.europa.eu
Gay Mitchell
Fine Gael
Elected MEP for Dublin in the last European elections in 2004. From Inchicore, he was first elected to the Dáil in 1981 and served as minister of state at the departments of the taoiseach and foreign affairs. A city councillor for 20 years, he was lord mayor in 1992/1993.
www.gaymitchell.finegael.ie
Proinsias De Rossa
Labour Party
Served as Labour MEP for Dublin since 1999. The former Workers Party member was elected leader of the party in 1988 and left in 1992 to found Democratic Left. Led the party into the 1994-1997 rainbow government, where he served as minister for social welfare. Represented Dublin North West in Dáil for 20 years. DeRossa.com
Eoin Ryan
Fianna Fáil
The Dubliner was first elected to Dublin City Council in 1985, appointed to the Seanad in 1989 and became a TD in 1992. Elected MEP in 2004. His late father Eoin Ryan was a senator for over 30 years and his grandfather, Dr James Ryan, was one of the founding fathers of Fianna Fáil. www.eoinryan.ie
Caroline Simons
Libertas
One of three candidates running for Libertas in the European elections. A solicitor by profession, she lives in south Dublin with her husband and five daughters. She got involved with Libertas during the No to Lisbon referendum campaign. Also sits on the board of governors of the National Maternity Hospital.www.libertas.eu
OTHER CANDIDATES WHO DECLARED YESTERDAY
Emmanuel Sweeney, Ranelagh, Dublin 6
Independent