WITH less than three months until the general election Irish MPs showed their colours at a community gathering held in Westminster.
Seven MPs who were born to Irish navvies made themselves known at a special event hosted by SDLP Leader Alasdair McDonnell at the House of Commons.
Welsh MP Chris Ruane was joined by Wythenshawe and Sale MP Mike Kane, Cardiff West MP Kevin Brennan, Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden, MP for Mitcham and Morden Siobhan McDonagh, Birmingham MP Jack Dromey and Paul Farrelly, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, in the line-up.
They were among dozens of guests who turned out for the special TLICN networking event, which also welcomed Diaspora Minister Jimmy Deenihan and Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall.
The gathering was one of the last few which will take place before parliament is dissolved on March 30, when existing MPs will lose their titles and head back to their constituencies to prepare for battle on May 7.
Speaking at the event, Mr McDonnell championed the “immense contribution” of the Irish to Britain’s construction industry and architectural infrastructure.
“There is a rich history of Irish involvement in the construction of this great city and it is a history we can be very proud of,” he said.
The SDLP used the opportunity to engage with the Irish community, claiming its three MPs – Mr McDonnell, who represents Belfast South, MP for Foyle Mark Durkan and South Down representative Margaret Ritchie – are willing to open up Westminster further to the Irish in the future.
“We are here, so please feel free to get in touch with us – no matter what the issue,” Mr McDonell said.
“Myself and my colleagues are delighted to connect with you and to open up Westminster to the London Irish community,” he added.
While existing MPs are beginning to set out their general elections stalls, newly selected parliamentary candidates are also being revealed
In Merseyside former Labour Party Irish Society chair Conor McGinn has been announced as the Labour candidate for St Helens North.
The Armagh native, a father of one, is on Labour’s National Executive Committee and works as political adviser to shadow defence secretary Vernon Coaker.
The seat - currently held by party colleague Dave Watts - has been a Labour constituency since it was created in 1983.
