Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís

Sinn Féin Senator Pauline Tully.

2025 has seen me complete my first year in Seanad Eireann as a Senator. This time last year, after losing my seat as TD in the General Election, I wasn’t sure what was ahead for me but I was determined to continue my work in Sinn Féin advocating for Irish unity and the people of Cavan on the issues that matter most to them. I was delighted to be elected top of the poll on the Cultural & Education panel to Seanad Éireann. I have now experienced both sides of the of the Oireachtas, which has allowed me to witness the entire legislative process as it moves through the houses.

One of the benefits of Seanad Eireann is that there is more opportunity to speak on issues that directly affect the people of Cavan. Housing is still the issue that I am contacted about the most, closely followed by assessments and therapies for children with additional needs, school places and school building projects, access to affordable childcare, the poor state of our roads and public transport problems (particularly the 109X route, about which I have been campaigning) and I have taken every opportunity to fight for the much-needed improvements and solutions to these issues and many more.

A highlight of 2025 was, along with my Sinn Féin colleagues in the Seanad, passing a motion calling for preparations to commence for Irish unity. That was a very proud day for all of us. Irish unity is inevitable and we will not be deterred by delay tactics or evasive manoeuvrings. Real discussions and preparations need to begin now and I look forward to being part of ensuring that happens.

My wish for 2026 is that people across Cavan and the entire country start to believe again that change can happen, that we don’t have to accept a broken system and that, when we work together, we can achieve incredible things.

In 2026 my plan is to continue on the ground engagement across the county of Cavan, meeting with as many of you as possible. It is very important to me that I am hearing directly from you about the issues that are affecting you. In my work this year, I also want to put a particular and increased focus on our children who are directly affected by so many of the failings of the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael government. Childhood is fleeting and they cannot afford to endlessly wait.

Athbhliain faoi shéan agus faoi mhaise do chách. Bí i dteagmháil más féidir liom cuidiú leat le linn 2026.