Former RTÉ Midlands Correspondent Ciaran Mullooly has announced his candidacy for the European Parliament elections in the Midlands-North-West constituency under the Independent Ireland banner.
In a formal statement, Mullooly expressed his deep-rooted commitment to rural Ireland, spanning over three decades of active involvement in community development initiatives across the midlands.
His work has encompassed diverse sectors such as disability rights, tourism, sports, recreation, suicide prevention, and other critical issues.
Mullooly’s decision to run for office stems from his firsthand understanding of rural Ireland’s challenges. He aims to leverage his experience and insights to contribute meaningfully towards much-needed and overdue regional transformations.
Having served at RTÉ for 27 years and holding the position of Midlands Correspondent since 1995, Mullooly brings a wealth of journalistic experience and local knowledge to his political endeavour.
His retirement from RTÉ in 2021 marked a transition into a new chapter of public service and advocacy for rural Ireland.
The formation of Independent Ireland in November, spearheaded by Limerick County TD Richard O’Donoghue and Cork South West TD Michael Collins, addresses a growing sentiment of disenchantment with traditional political parties among voters. Independent Ireland aims to provide an alternative voice for those dissatisfied with the status quo but reluctant to align with parties like Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, or Sinn Féin.
Adding Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice from Roscommon-Galway to Independent Ireland in February further solidifies the party’s representation across different regions and issues.
Mullooly’s candidacy under Independent Ireland signifies a concerted effort to bring grassroots perspectives and solutions to the forefront of European politics, particularly concerning the unique challenges rural communities face in the Midlands-North-West constituency.