LGBT+ activist Tiernan Brady has received the backing of two prominent members of Fianna Fáil to represent the party in next year’s EU elections.

The party’s deputy leader Dara Calleary and justice spokesperson Jim O’Callaghan have supported Brady’s candidacy for the Dublin constituency.

O’Callaghan explained why he is backing Brady for the EU elections:

“I think his profile and his background is very interesting and it will appeal to voters beyond traditional Fianna Fáil voters.

“I think members realise he has the capacity to grow Fianna Fáil’s vote in Dublin and he has been received very well.”

Brady is best known for his LGBT+ activism both at home and abroad. In Ireland, he served as the political director for the Yes Equality campaign, as well as the director of HIV strategies in GLEN (the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network). In the run-up to the 2015 referendum, Brady launched the Register to Vote campaign which saw the enrollment of over 40,000 new voters.

Following on from the success of Ireland’s marriage equality campaign, Brady moved to Australia where he became heavily involved in the country’s own same-sex marriage plebiscite. Last year saw same-sex marriage legalised in Australia with 62% of Australians voting Yes.

Additionally, Brady was the spokesperson for Equal Future, an organisation which seeks to “raise awareness of the damage done to children when they are given the sense that being LGBT+ would be a misfortune or a disappointment”.

Brady previously sought to become the Fianna Fáil candidate for the European elections in 2014, but was unsuccessful.

Brady faces competition in representing Fianna Fáil, with former ministers Mary Hanafin, Barry Andrews and Conor Lenihan also seeking the party’s nomination. All candidates have spent the previous month canvassing for support.

The next EU elections are expected to take place in May next year.