Councillor Daniel Ennis, who represents Dublin’s North Inner City, has been selected as the Social Democrats candidate to contest the upcoming Dublin Central by-election.
The election, which is expected to take place in April or May, will see the Social Democrats aim to secure a second seat in the constituency alongside Gary Gannon TD
Daniel was elected to Dublin City Council in the local elections in 2024 – since then, his work has focused on tackling poverty and the cost of living, pushing for greater provision of social and affordable homes, increasing funding for and access to community and sports facilities, youth diversion projects, crime prevention initiatives, and anti-discrimination.
Most recently, Daniel played a pivotal role in securing support for the Alfie Byrne Road complex, a multi-sport centre which was granted a 99-year lease just last month. The development promises to be transformative for the North Inner City.
Speaking at the selection convention, Councillor Ennis said:
“I’m thrilled to be selected to contest the Dublin Central by-election and incredibly excited to run a campaign that’s ambitious, inclusive and addresses the issues that are most prominent in the constituency.
“My politics is simple: a politics of decency, solidarity and unity. Now more than ever, Dublin needs to be decent, to ourselves and to others.
“It’s entrenched, intergenerational poverty and the State’s neglect of the North Inner City and its people that drove me to enter politics – I’m determined that my children and every child across this city will grow up in a place built on compassion, respect and opportunity.
“I will work tirelessly to bring humanity, hard work and community leadership into Dáil Éireann, and to carry the voices, opinions and stories of Dubliners with me.”
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said:
“I am delighted to have a candidate of Daniel’s calibre running for the Social Democrats in Dublin Central. Daniel has a track record of tireless advocacy for the community and would be an incredible TD for the area along with our colleague Gary Gannon.
“Now more than ever, it is essential that Dublin Central elects a strong Opposition voice to the Dáil. This is a constituency that has never received adequate investment or resources from successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments, where issues like homelessness, poverty and social exclusion are particularly acute.
“Daniel has long fought for the most vulnerable people in our society; demanding action on the many crises we face, particularly in housing and disability services; and speaking up for values of inclusion and diversity. I have no doubt that he will continue that fight in the Dáil.”
December 16th, 2025