Sinn Féin is set to select a new general secretary after the current holder of the role, long-time party activist Ken O’Connell, announced his intention to leave the job. Mr O’Connell (68) told party members he would not take up his nomination to stand for the ardrúnaí role at the Sinn Féin ardfheis later this month.
He told The Irish Times his decision was not related to Sinn Féin’s recent slide in opinion polls, that he is leaving the job as he is “not getting any younger”, it is “time for new blood” and “I think change is good”. He said he hopes to take up another role in the party.
Originally from Co Wicklow, Mr O’Connell became involved full time with Sinn Féin around the time of the hunger strikes in 1981. Serving as general secretary since 2020, Mr O’Connell was the party’s 26-county political director for around a decade before that.
In a communication to Sinn Féin members he said he would give his “full support” to whoever is elected as his successor. He highlighted how it is an “important time for our party as we face into a general election in the 26 counties. This follows on the heels of our very successful and historic elections in the North under Michelle O’Neill’s leadership as ‘First Minister for All’.”
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He urged Sinn Féin members to become “more active than ever before” in the lead up to the general election in the South. He said the party had launched an “ambitious” housing plan, and also set out its affordable childcare proposals.
“I firmly believe that with Sinn Féin in government North and South, and under Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald TD, this truly represents new leadership for a new Ireland – one that puts working people first, makes our society a better place to raise a family and unites our country in harmony and friendship.”
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