Mullingar woman bidding for role on fianna fils committee of fifteen

Young, determined, enthusiastic and academically qualified, a Mullingar woman is hoping to play a central role in the future of one of the country’s power based political families, Fianna Fáil.

Aideen Ginnell, 27, is in the middle of a countrywide trawl of party activists in a bid to forge her way on to the party’s select Committee of 15, which will be elected at the Fianna Fáil Árd Fheis at the end of the month.

Daughter of well-known local couple, Martin and Aideen Snr, the former University of Limerick student is currently working as parliamentary assistant to Deputy Robert Troy while also working part-time as a political secretary in Dáil Éireann.

Educated in St Cremin’s NS and Wilson’s Hospital in Multyfarnham, Aideen had a strong bent towards politics from a young age. On completing her Leaving Certificate she undertook a course in European Studies in Limerick and majored in politics, international relations and Spanish.

During her time in Limerick, Aideen’s ability was recognised by her peers and she was elected to the position of president of the International Society, the largest society in the university, whose main function was the integration of international students into campus life and wider student population, and to provide support and advice to those students.

In her final year, Aideen was chosen to act as ambassador for the university, which involved visiting second level schools around the country, promoting the university and outlining opportunities for future students.

Armed with an honours degree in European Studies, Aideen continued to furrow a plough into the world of politics and secured a post with Fianna Fáil, initially as a political secretary, before teaming up with Deputy Troy.

Aideen stressed that the opportunity to work with Deputy Troy, in particular, has given her a deeper insight into many aspects of her community and she believes, allied to her work in Leinster House, she has gained a balanced view of the Irish political system.

Returning to the life of academia, Aideen signed up for a Masters in Political Communications at Dublin City University. “My thesis argued the importance of accountability in ensuring independent free speech and my research taught me to truly appreciate and understand governance and accountability, not only with the media but with all aspects of society,” Aideen told the Examiner.

Not one to be idle, Aideen has just returned from a trip through Asia, India and South America, and it was during this time that she hardened to the idea of further immersing herself in the Irish political system.

“When I came back, I suggested to Robert I fancied the idea of running for the Committee of 15 and he was fully supportive,” said Aideen.

“I am proud to be a member of Fianna Fáil and believe the party has a lot to be proud of in overseeing the promotion and development of the country over the last 89 years,” she said.

In her canvas notes Aideen has pledged, if elected, to work towards continued structural reform internally; encouraging diversity and maximum periods of time on committees; setting up member-driven policy groups nationwide; Ard Comhairle members co-ordinating and delivering policy meetings; a thought-out plan for constituency offices to direct the recruitment of new members into the party; and an internal group established to provide first time candidate assistance and coaching.

Aideen, who is in the middle of a whistle-stop tour of the country, canvassing for support from party colleagues, realises the enormity of the task confronting her at the Árd Fheis in the RDS on April 25. She is one of 33 candidates battling for the 15 posts and she is among the youngest.