Top Irish offshore sailor Liam Coyne from the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire is standing as a Social Democrats Candidate in the Dublin South Central constituency in this month's General Election.
Coyne, a married father of three young children who lives in Dublin 12, where he also runs a small business, shot to sailing fame in August 2014 when he and co-skipper Brian Flahive won the double-handed division of the Round Britain and Ireland race, earning an Afloat Sailor of the Month award in the process. Read the full account of their marathon voyage here.
Now his sights are firmly focussed on politicial horizons. He kicked off his campaign reiterating the Social Democrat’s dedication to their core values and he dismisses suggestions party will do deal to keep FG/Labour in power. 'We're not in it for Mercs and perks', he says.
What a load of Rubbish @alankellylabour I challenge you come canvassing in Dublin SC and see if it's a issue #ge16 https://t.co/BpzR04dT9F
— Liam Coyne (@liamcoynes) February 4, 2016
According to the Social Democrats website, Coyne is passionate about fairness and dignity for people, and his experience running a business means that he is very aware of the importance of quality employment for workers’ dignity and standard of living. He is also a recent law graduate having undertaken his studies during the evening over the past few years.
More on his election campaign here