Daniel Ennis
Daniel Ennis | |
|---|---|
| Teachta Dála | |
| Assumed office 26 May 2026 | |
| Constituency | Dublin Central |
| Dublin City Councillor | |
| In office June 2024 – May 2026 | |
| Constituency | North Inner City |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1988 or 1989 (age 37–38)[1] North Strand, Dublin, Ireland |
| Party | Social Democrats |
Daniel Ennis (born 1988/1989) is an Irish politician and community activist who has served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Dublin Central constituency since the 2026 Dublin Central by-election.[2][3][4] He served as a Dublin City Councillor for the North Inner City LEA from 2024 to 2026. A member of the Social Democrats, Ennis was previously a professional football player, playing a number of seasons in the League of Ireland.
Early life
Ennis was born and raised on the North Strand in Dublin's north inner city.[5] He was elected to Dublin City Council in June 2024 at the age of 35.[5]
Football career
Before entering politics, Ennis played League of Ireland football with Bohemians, Shelbourne, and Bray Wanderers.[5][6]
Community work
Ennis serves as vice-chairman of East Wall Bessborough FC, a community football club founded by his father, Geoff Ennis Snr., for at-risk youths and people struggling with addiction.[5] Following his father's death in 2016, Ennis took over running the club.[7]
Ennis has campaigned for improved sports facilities in the North Inner City, working with Belvedere FC on a partnership to develop a sports complex at Alfie Byrne Park in Fairview.[8] In November 2025, the Alfie Byrne Road complex was granted a 99-year lease by Dublin City Council.[9]
Political career
Ennis served as constituency manager for Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.[1] He was elected at the 2024 Dublin City Council election for the North Inner City local electoral area.[10] Following his election, Ennis was proposed as Lord Mayor of Dublin by an alliance on Dublin City Council of the Social Democrats, Sinn Féin, People Before Profit, and several independent councillors, though his nomination was ultimately unsuccessful.[11]
In December 2025, Ennis was selected as the Social Democrats candidate for the 2026 Dublin Central by-election triggered by the resignation of Fine Gael TD Paschal Donohoe, following the latter's appointment to a senior role at the World Bank.[4][12] Ennis won the by-election, becoming a TD for Dublin Central.[2]
Personal life
Ennis lives on the North Strand with his fiancée Chloe and their two children.[5][13]
References
- ^ a b Thomas, Cónal (15 February 2026). ""My dad never mentioned his past to me": Soc Dem candidate on facing his late father's associate Gerry Hutch in Dublin by-election". Irish Independent. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ^ a b Burne, Louise (24 May 2026). "Social Democrats' Daniel Ennis claims Dublin Central seat". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ^ Hosford, Paul (24 May 2026). "Who is Daniel Ennis? All you need to know about Dublin's newest TD". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
- ^ a b "Councillor Daniel Ennis selected as Social Democrats candidate for Dublin Central by-election". Social Democrats. 16 December 2025. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ a b c d e "Councillor Daniel Ennis". Trauma Informed Practice. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "Trust, funding and social class: has Irish football finally learned how to play politics?". The Irish Times. 19 July 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "East Wall Bessborough FC Hopes to Secure Its Home Turf to Continue Its Expansion". Dublin Inquirer. 18 January 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "Two north inner-city football clubs team up to push a vision for a new sports complex". Dublin Inquirer. 3 May 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "Planning go-ahead for soccer pitches and much more at Alfie Byrne Road". Dublin Inquirer. 12 November 2025. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "SocDems double seats on Dublin City Council as Fianna Fáil lose top spot to Fine Gael". TheJournal.ie. 10 June 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "New progressive alliance on DCC proposes Cllr Daniel Ennis as Lord Mayor of Dublin". Social Democrats. 20 June 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "Soc Dems pick Ennis as Dublin Central by-election candidate". Dublin People. 17 December 2025. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ Hosford, Paul (24 May 2026). "Who is Daniel Ennis? All you need to know about Dublin's newest TD". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 24 May 2026.