Ann Graves Reflects on First Year as Dublin Fingal East TD

Ann Graves, the Sinn Féin representative for Dublin Fingal East, has shared her experiences as a first-time member of the Dáil following her election in 2022. With a background in the education sector spanning over 30 years, including her recent role at Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), Graves describes her journey into politics as one rooted in activism.

Before entering the national legislature, Graves served as a councillor from 2019 until her loss in local elections last year. Shortly thereafter, she was co-opted back into council following a colleague’s step down due to health issues. This paved the way for her unexpected success in the 2022 general election, where she secured the last seat in Fingal East, defeating long-standing Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell, who was expected to retain his position.

Graves’ Commitment to Constituency Work

In her new role, Graves emphasizes the importance of balancing constituency responsibilities with national duties. “One of my priorities when I was elected was to open a constituency office in Swords that would serve all of Fingal East,” she explained. This commitment aims to ensure that residents have access to support and representation every day.

Graves acknowledges the challenges of managing the sheer volume of emails and requests she receives, particularly from lobbying groups. “If I hadn’t got the staff both in Leinster House and in my constituency office, I certainly wouldn’t be able to deal with the volume of requests,” she noted. Many of these emails are currently focused on issues surrounding Gaza, further highlighting the need for responsive representation.

Reflecting on the highlights of her role, Graves stated, “The highlight was the people electing me and getting the opportunity to stand in the Dáil and represent them on the matters that are important to them.” As the spokesperson for drug and alcohol strategy, addiction, and recovery, she finds fulfillment in addressing critical social issues.

Challenges and Future Aspirations

Despite the satisfaction she derives from her position, Graves has encountered frustrations, particularly when government officials do not provide satisfactory answers in the Dáil. “The government are there to govern, we’re there to question their decisions,” she explained, emphasizing the necessity for accountability.

Looking ahead, Graves remains tight-lipped regarding her preferences for the upcoming presidential election. When asked about supporting a candidate, she remarked on the importance of grassroots opinion within her party. “The worst thing you can do is select a candidate that the rest of the party aren’t happy with, particularly grassroots people,” she said. She did express her respect for Catherine Connolly, noting her effectiveness as a representative in the Dáil.

Graves concluded by reaffirming her commitment to Sinn Féin’s goal of achieving a united Ireland, stating, “Our ideal and our goal will be for a United Ireland. So we would want somebody that would be strong on that.”

As Graves continues her journey in politics, her experiences as a new TD reflect the growing engagement and activism within Ireland’s political landscape. Her dedication to her constituents and the issues they face will undoubtedly shape her tenure in the Dáil.