Ryan has been a TD for Kildare South since 2020. Originally elected for Sinn Féin, she stepped down from the party earlier this year to run as an independent. She had been the party spokesperson on older people. She was previously a member of Kildare County Council between 2019 and 2020. Before entering politics, Ryan was a trade union shop steward.

I have been representing the people of South Kildare for the past 5 years, and would be proud to do so again. I have also built up a significant relationship with agencies and advocates for older people, especially those in nursing homes, and I am eager to continue the work I started and believe there is a huge body of work still to be done.

The housing crisis is the single biggest issue facing the country at present, and has domino effects across employment, education, health areas and mental health – more social and truly affordable housing is the only solution.

I think my first returning speech would be to thank the people of South Kildare for placing their trust in me once again, and that I believe the new Dáil should step up together and deal with the housing health and cost of living crisis.