Green Party selects Cllr Marianne Butler to run for Dáil seat in Louth

A long-serving advocate for Dundalk South since her election in 2009, Butler brings over 15 years of experience in Louth County Council to her campaign. This election marks her debut run for Dáil Éireann.

Speaking after her selection, Councillor Marianne spoke about her motivation to run: "I'm running for the Dáil because I want to try and tackle the root cause of the issues facing my constituents.

"I am confronted on a daily basis by the challenges people face in housing, healthcare, education, childcare and a host of other areas. As a councillor, I can only do so much. As their TD, I could do a whole lot more."

Rooted in her community, Butler grew up on the Quay in Dundalk and currently lives on Avenue Road with her husband and two young sons.

She has held pivotal roles in local governance, including former Chair of Dundalk Town Council and Vice Chair of Louth County Council. Her service extends into education and community development as a former member of the governing body of DKIT, the Louth Meath Education & Training Board, and the board of Creative Spark.

Reflecting on the Green Party's record in government, Butler expressed optimism but also caution about leaving the main parties in power without a junior partner to push them hard.

She said: "We have shown change is possible if politicians are focussed on results and pursue them with a sense of urgency.

"It has allowed us to reduce Ireland's carbon emissions to their lowest levels in 30 years, double investment in public transport, slash the cost of childcare by 50%, and massively increase support for the arts and sporting organisations. In the next Dáil we need to take the same approach to other areas where our coalition partners have not made as much progress."

Cllr Butler says she aims to champion positive change for her community and beyond: she said: "Louth is a vibrant county, home to two of Ireland's largest towns, thriving businesses, stunning natural amenities, and continuously improving infrastructure.

"But we need a local TD who is thinking about what's next: enhancing local public transport, ensuring children have access to safe green spaces, building new schools for our growing communities, supporting DKIT in its journey toward university status, and strengthening local businesses.

"For me, politics is about public service and delivering real results for the community. I'm fiercely proud of Louth, and I want to be a TD that Louth can be proud of."