Political Platform
Jan O’Sullivan TD
Jan O’Sullivan has been a TD for Limerick City since 1998. In the last Government she served as Minister for Education and Skills, having previously served as Minister of State with responsibility for housing and planning.
My political career began in the early 1980s after I returned to Ireland having lived in Canada for a year and a half. I got involved in women’s issues including the provision of family planning and began canvassing for a high-profile, very courageous politician, Jim Kemmy who was an independent Councillor in Limerick at that time. Jim subsequently founded the Democratic Socialist Party and I was one of the founding members. When the local elections came up in 1985 I ran for the Council, was elected and have been a public representative at local and national level ever since. Coincidentally, the first campaign I participated in was to oppose the 1983 referendum on abortion which is now right back in the headlines.
What are your most notable achievements to date?
My most notable achievement is probably my election in the by-election after Jim’s death against the odds and against the predictions, that was in 1998. Another achievement I am very proud of is having served for approximately two years as Minister for Education and Skills. Of all the areas I could have served as Minister, the one I feel most passionately about is education.
What is unique about representing Limerick City?
I am very proud to represent Limerick City. Limerick has had its challenges, but there is a real sense of purpose and positivity about the way in which we all work together now for the betterment of the people of Limerick and its environs. I am only the second woman to have been elected as a TD for Limerick, the first being Kathleen O’ Callaghan back in 1921. One of the real challenges has been ensuring that those communities who haven’t had opportunities in the past are included so the Regeneration project has been very important to me.
What are your priorities going forward?
Regeneration is one of my priorities going forward. I want to ensure that all three legs of the Regeneration programme – Economic, Social and Physical continue to develop. On a more general level, I have a strong commitment to building a fair society with decent work and opportunity for all and I am particularly anxious to ensure that Ireland gets a childcare system that is affordable and of high quality and that we address the housing crisis which affects so many individuals and families.
How can Labour, as a reduced contingent, ensure an influential Oireachtas presence?
I think the Labour Party has a strong contribution to make because we have put the country before our party and that has been very difficult, but we want our policies to make a difference in people’s lives, rather than simply to shout from the sidelines. We are not hurlers on the ditch. The areas we are particularly focusing on at present are preparation for Brexit – we have produced a 20 point plan; the future of work – we already have a strong record of supporting workers’ rights; how we deal with climate change; and quality, affordable childcare. We have a strong contribution to make in all of these areas.
What are your interests outside of the political sphere?
Outside of the political sphere I love hill walking with my friends at the weekend. I am also a big Munster Rugby fan and go to as many matches as possible. I enjoy music and reading and indulging the child in me with my four adorable grandchildren.
