Laois Sinn Féin bring in leading figure to 'strengthen grassroots'

Laois Sinn Féin brought in one of its party's leading figures for a gathering this week in a bid to strengthen grassroots participation locally. 

Deputy Pearse Doherty, the party's Finance spokesperson, attended a strategic members meeting in Portlaoise Parish Centre on Wednesday, February 26. 

The Donegal native's visit to the county comes on the back of Maria McCormack's appointment to the Seanad. Her success was a comeback win for Sinn Féin in Laois which ended 2024 with no elected representatives in the county due to resignations and a poor Local Elections performance. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO 

Pearse Doherty speaking at the meeting in Portlaoise Parish Centre. 

During Wednesday's meeting Senator McCormack  highlighted the need for enhanced community participation by Sinn Féin activists in Laois and announced her plans to open a new Portlaoise-based Sinn Féin office in the near future. 

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In a statement to Leinster Express/ Laois Live, a party spokesperson said: "Laois members expressed their enthusiasm and commitment following Doherty’s address tonight, acknowledging the importance of cohesive planning and mutual support within the party to achieve their shared goals. This meeting also provided Laois Sinn Féin members an opportunity to raise important issues with leadership such as housing, healthcare, the cost of living, and the shared desire for a United Ireland.

"Pearse Doherty's visit to Portlaoise reinforces Sinn Féin's dedication to grassroots engagement, viewing it as essential to implementing transformative policies across Ireland. As Sinn Féin continues to position itself as a prominent voice for change in Ireland, meetings between leadership and grassroots, emphasise the party's commitment to staying connected with local perspectives while driving national progress."