She will seek a Dáil seat in the Dublin Central constituency.
The Independents 4 Change candidate lost her seat in the European Parliament in the previous European elections in June.
While speaking on South East Radio’s Morning Mix with Alan Corcoran today, Ms Daly said she had given her decision a lot of thought.
She added that a lot of people from across the country were getting in touch asking whether she and former MEP Mick Wallace were going “to make a return journey to the Dáil”.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – October 24th
“I was contacted by some really outstanding independent representatives and activists in Dublin Central and they asked me would I consider running there to kind of keep the really strong independent tradition, the likes of Tony Gregory and Maureen O’Sullivan had represented,” she said.
“After a lot of talk, I said: ‘Why not throw the hat into the ring?’ Like a lot of people, I am quite concerned at the lack of holding to account of the Government at the moment and a lot of the problems that people face.
“That’s the stall that we’re setting out on, this sort of fearless independent representation, which I think is needed now more than ever when we look at the state of the country – record inequality against record wealth, and a real failure to hold the Government to account.
“It’s a bit wild card, but why not?”
Ms Daly was previously a TD in Dublin Fingal, elected in the 2016 general election, before becoming an MEP in 2019 until 2024.
Dublin Central looks to be a competitive constituency, with several high-profile candidates, such as Sinn Féin’s leader Mary Lou McDonald or Fine Gael’s Minister Paschal Donohue.
She said the main issues in Dublin Central are similar to other parts of the country – “the massive housing crisis and cost-of-living crisis”.
She also confirmed that Mr Wallace hasn’t decided yet whether he will join the race in the general election.
“I have worked very well with Mick and I will continue to do so regardless. But the truth is that he hasn’t decided,” she said.
“Mick made a wonderful contribution in the Dáil, when we look at the issues that are there now, the National Children’s Hospital, the housing crisis, the rent crisis, all of these things were matters which we predicted when we were in the Dáil – Mick, in particular, with his knowledge of housing – but the truth is, he hasn’t decided whether he will [run] or not.
“I’ve decided to throw my hat in the ring, he genuinely hasn’t, and that’s a decision for him. I think he would be excellent, obviously, but even if he doesn’t, I think he’ll continue to campaign for social justice in any way that he can,” she added.
In a statement posted on X, she said: “After 25 years as a public representative in North Dublin, at local, national, and European level, I thought long and hard about whether to contest the next general election.”
She added that Dublin city “is neglected and communities feel abandoned”.
“I have a reputation for taking up issues before they were popular, be it abortion rights or Garda reform. I have an international profile as an anti-war and pro-Palestine advocate,” she added.
“I haven’t got that record on the ground in Dublin Central, but those that do, like Maureen O’Sullivan, Councillor Cieran Perry, former MEP Patricia McKenna, East Wall’s Joe Mooney, and others have put their faith in me as the best person to take their struggles into the Dáil, and I am humbled to accept and go forward on that basis.”
We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity.
Over the summer, Ms Daly was seen giving speeches at pro-Palestinian protests.
“I’ve used any elected platform I’ve had to be a champion for ordinary people and that’s what I would do should I be lucky enough to be returned to the Dáil.
“But the fight goes on regardless,” she added.
