Seeley in bid for Seanad

Cllr Seeley, who hit the headlines earlier this year when she was forced to leave her job in a Belfast school after a sectarian campaign, was described by Mr O’Dowd as ‘an excellent candidate’.

“She is an effective Councillor and an excellent Deputy Mayor, and I am confident she can bring a unique perspective to the Seanad.

“She has shown remarkable leadership following the sectarian campaign waged against her and continues to promote a positive, and inclusive, voice for Craigavon. A young woman, an educationalist, and a republican from the 6 Counties standing for Sinn Féin in the Seanad shows exactly the type of continuing change required on this island, north and south.”

Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane said: “The Seanad should be representative of the nation and not in the ownership of the government or in the gift of a Taoiseach.

“In a Seanad that is under-presentative of women, young people and missing a voice from the six counties, Catherine will bring her experiences and expertise to the decisions facing our whole nation at this time.”