“I have the vision and energy to build a better and more equal Ireland”. That was the message from NUI Seanad candidate Laura Harmon who launched her campaign for Seanad website today (December 4, 2019).

The 33 year-old Cork woman is a highly acclaimed LGBT+ and women’s rights campaigner who played a key role in the marriage equality and Repeal the 8th campaigns. Harmon narrowly missed out on a seat in the 2016 NUI Seanad elections. Polling an impressive 4,663 votes for a first-time candidate.

Speaking today Harmon said: “I want to bring my experience as an equality campaigner to the Seanad to help build a better and more equal Ireland. Our society faces many challenges ranging from the housing crisis, education funding and climate change. I want to bring the fresh thinking needed to help tackle these big issues.

“My campaign will be built on the principle of equality. The Irish economy is growing but too many people are being left behind. As a Senator, I will champion the need for all political decisions to be equality proofed. I will also introduce proposals to meaningfully reform our political system to make it more democratic and relevant.”

From 2014 to 2015 Harmon served as the President of the Union of Students in Ireland. She was the first woman to hold the position in over 20 years. During her term in office, she led the student campaign in the marriage equality referendum, which saw over 30,000 new voters registering to vote.

Harmon added: “I want to be a Senator who fights for my generation. Young people have been badly let down by politicians. We are struggling to pay high rents and face the threat of climate chaos in our lifetime. As a Senator, I will put the concerns and aspirations of young people centre stage.”

Harmon now works as the Leadership Coordinator for the National Women’s Council of Ireland in Dublin. In this role, Harmon promotes women’s participation in politics, business and civic society.

For more information visit https://www.lauraharmon.ie/