Endorsements

Endorsements

“Lynn Ruane is exactly what Seanad Éireann needs in the 21st century. Her immense passion for social justice, coupled with her achievements at local and national level, will enable her to shape law reflecting social movements for change. I heartily endorse her candidacy.”  

Katherine Zappone, Independent TD for Dublin South-West

“I am honoured and delighted to support Lynn for the Senate. She has worked closely in community and in schools with young people struggling with mental health and addiction problems. Lynn has the passion and the energy to give herself to service reforms that I believe we badly need, and that will make a tremendous difference to young people.” 

Tony Bates, Founder & CEO of Headstrong

“I feel privileged and proud to nominate Lynn Ruane as a candidate for the coming Seanad election.  Lynn is an outstanding candidate – mother of two daughters – who has overcome many obstacles to enrol as a mature student in Trinity College.  She is passionately committed to equal opportunities in education and will be a most effective champion of education in Seanad Éireann.” 

Áine Hyland, Professor Emeritus of Education, University College Cork

“We need advocates who won’t simply accept the system as it is, but who have the life experiences, energy, courage and vision to see how education can and should change, develop and progress.  

In the time I’ve known Lynn, she has demonstrated exactly those kinds of qualities and that sense of purpose. She is just the kind of advocate for education that I would wish to see in the Seanad and to have, I would hope, on my side.”

Gavin Dykes, Education World Forum Programme Director

“The Seanad needs fresh voices, fresh ideas, fresh energy. Lynn embodies all of these traits. She is a gifted communicator who speaks with honesty, clarity and with authority of experience. She doesn’t just talk about equality – she lives and breathes it. I am proud to support her candidacy.”

Robbie Gilligan, Professor of Social Work & Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin

“Lynn Ruane is a brave, fresh and radical voice in Irish politics committed to social justice in education, childcare and other important public policy areas for the most vulnerable in our society.  Lynn will strive for an equal, inclusive education system that will support everyone to reach their full potential and she knows first hand the transformative impact this access to education can have.  The Seanad needs Lynn, please give her your vote.”

Cliona Hannon, Director of Trinity College’s Access Programme

“I am supporting Lynn Ruane because she represents hope for a more inclusive society. Her own story of overcoming the barriers and stigma as a single parent from Tallaght seeking third level amazes me. Her work in the homeless sector where she demonstrated her commitment to housing as a right as opposed to a charitable approach for homeless people challenges me. Her eloquence, passion and forthright approach when speaking on equality inspires me. For me, she embodies my desire for an Ireland that truly values all it’s citizens equally.”

Dr Austin O’Carroll, Founder of the North Inner City GP Training Programme

“Lynn Ruane is a passionate and articulate woman who has the professional and personal experiences that would bring critical analysis and innovative solutions to the Seanad. I would strongly encourage people to vote for Lynn; Irish society desperately needs an injection of new ideas to combat the increase in social justice issues and widening poverty gap in communities nationwide. Lynn has already demonstrated her inspirational capacity to do this while engaging people of all ages, and she can offer strong leadership in the Seanad as a new and powerful voice on the political scene.”

Maura McMahon, CEO of An Cosán

“Lynn Ruane worked in an addiction project where she engaged with some of the most difficult to reach people. She has a very ‘unique’ way which continues to be her strength. At the core is the need for the best outcome possible for any task or project she undertakes – either alone or with others. This strength is built on a strong self belief and a ‘can do’ attitude which stimulates and encourages those alongside her to query and question their work and their approaches. The Seanad needs someone with her experience in this sector and I heartily endorse her candidacy.”

Mary Ryder, Canal Communities Local Drugs Task Force Coordinator

“I was lucky enough to see Lynn Ruane chairing a discussion on the repeal of the 8th amendment in Trinity College. I was immediately touched by her energy, openness and honesty, not to mention her sense of fairness. She works incredibly hard and would be an excellent addition to Seanad Éireann.”

Tara Flynn, Comedian and Activist

“Lynn Ruane is focused on the issues that others are too afraid to tackle – access to education, mental health provision and fair pay for workers amongst others. She has shown throughout her career her devoted commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless. She represents everything that an elected public servant should have – integrity, courage and a passion to ensure we have a truly equal society. We need her voice in the Seanad. I urge you to give her your number 1 vote and also to think carefully about your transfer votes.”

Mairead Healy, CEO of Future Voices