CO-FOUNDER of the Jack and Jill Foundation Jonathan Irwin is to run for a Dáil seat as a member of Lucinda Creighton’s new political party Renua while his wife Senator Mary Ann O Brien is also to join the new party.
Mr Irwin posted an open letter on Friday to the families and friends of the foundation announcing his plans to run in the next general election as a candidate for the party. He first declared his intention to contest the election two years ago and describing himself as a “grumpy old man” says now is the time for him to make his political move.
“I’ve become even more distressed and depressed about the direction our main political parties are taking us and I’ve been very worried that the sea of anger and discontent amongst decent, ordinary citizens could turn into a protest vote and may lead Ireland in a negative direction, resulting in political and economic instability,” he said.
“It’s time for more people like me to stand up and be counted. It’s time for a real alternative.”
There was speculation in recent weeks that he would join the party after being spotted having lunch in Leinster House with the new party’s leader Lucinda Creighton, along with his wife Senator Mary Ann O’Brien.
Owner of Lily O’Briens Chocolates in Newbridge, Senator O’Brien is an independent Taoiseach’s appointee to the Seanad and will join the new party when her term ends.
“For the first time in 50 years I’ve found a political coat that seems to fit me,” Mr Irwin said on Friday.
“Therefore, I will run, or in my case walk, as a Renua Ireland candidate in the next election in the constituency of Kildare South a county in which I have lived and worked since 1968. Should the good people of Kildare vote me in, I will be a strong voice in Leinster House and a catalyst for change, but I’ll serve for one term only making sure I make best use of my time and influence.”
He added that when Enda Kenny calls the general election, in winter 2015 or spring 2016, he will step down as CEO of Jack and Jill four weeks pre election.
“I’ve already informed the board of my intentions and we are reinforcing our management team and I have the full support of my colleagues in Jack and Jill throughout this transition,” he added.
“With regard to my time management, I want to assure everyone that the time and money spent on my election is totally separate to Jack and Jill and tracked, costed and charged to my political campaign.
“For the moment, I can do what I need to do on my election campaign outside Jack and Jill hours but when this time input increases on the election side, which it will, my CEO salary will be reduced accordingly.
“Until then, it is business as usual for Jack & Jill and we have a lot of work to do in terms of raising the €2.7 million we need to keep going this year. We continue to rely on your generosity, time and support now more than ever.”
The couple live in Ballytore.
