Ratoath sustainability advocate announces presidential bid

Ratoath woman Lorna McCormack has declared her intention to run for President, becoming the latest candidate to enter the race for Áras an Uachtaráin.

A sustainability advocate, social care worker and community leader, McCormack says her campaign will centre on inclusion, climate action and preserving Ireland’s heritage.

McCormack, best known as the founder of Wool in School, an educational initiative centred around wool and sustainability has long championed the role of education in tackling climate change and preserving heritage. What began with a simple question from her son, “What is wool?”, has since grown into a nationwide programme delivering interactive workshops, large-scale art projects, and resources for schools and families.

The project not only promotes wool as a craft and textile material but also highlights its value as a sustainable, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic alternative to synthetic fabrics.

“I haven’t had an official campaign launch because my focus right now is on securing the nomination and the support of four councils,” McCormack told the Meath Chronicle. “That’s where all my energy is at the moment. But I am campaigning, and I’m determined to get there.”

A fibre artist by training, McCormack’s work has expanded well beyond the classroom. She runs Feirm VR, which introduces children to farming practices through immersive VR and 360° experiences, and serves as a Heritage Specialist with the Heritage Schools programme. She is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Agricultural Innovation at the University of Galway, embedding herself even further in Ireland’s sustainability sector.

Her contributions have been recognised internationally through her membership in the Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South-West Wool Hub for Research and Innovation and the International Wool Textile Organisation. Locally, she has played a key role in connecting communities through cross-generational learning projects, aligning her work with Ireland’s Education for Sustainable Development Strategy 2030.

McCormack said her diverse background was central to why she is running for Áras an Uachtaráin.

“The reason I’m running is because of my background, which is very diverse,” she said. “I’m fluent in sign language, I’ve worked in the disability and social care sector for years, I’m an ag innovator with my masters, and I’m also an EU climate ambassador. All of these things tie in with the role.”

She describes the presidency as a position that requires a “connector”.

“I see the role as connecting with people, but also connecting them with the people who can help. That’s what I want to bring to the presidency.”

Before establishing Wool in School, McCormack created books and educational resources for deaf children and is fluent in Irish Sign Language. Her background in social care, she says, underpins her commitment to inclusion, equality, and accessibility values that will guide her presidential campaign.

“The Presidency is about representing the people and the future they want to build,” she said. “For me, that future must be sustainable, inclusive, and deeply rooted in our heritage and communities.”

She has already been active in highlighting the importance of climate action. Earlier this year, as an EU Climate Pact Ambassador, she organised an event at Ratoath College featuring a screening of Mrs. Robinson, followed by a panel discussion with students, local leaders, and activists on the role of community in tackling climate challenges.

The event honoured Ireland’s first female president, Mary Robinson, whose legacy as a politician, human rights activist, and environmental campaigner McCormack cites as a major inspiration.

McCormack admits the road to the ballot paper is not straightforward. Candidates need the backing of four local authorities or 20 members of the Oireachtas.

“I need four councils to back me. At the moment, the directive hasn’t been launched, so we’re all in limbo until then. Once that happens, independents like me will be able to make presentations. That’s what I’m waiting for now: confirmation of dates,” she explained.

She concedes the task will not be easy.

“Getting those four is not easy, so the next few weeks will be very busy. I have to keep a clear head and focus solely on that. If I do get the nomination, then I expect it will be a short six-week run to the election. It will be hectic, but I’m taking it one step at a time.”

Despite the challenges, McCormack believes her grassroots approach—bridging sustainability, education, and social justice will resonate with voters.

“Change begins with awareness,” she said. “Whether in schools, communities, or across the nation, I want to use the presidency to champion the values that will sustain Ireland for generations to come.”

For now, however, she insists the nomination remains her primary goal.

“The launch of the campaign and my vision for the Áras will be announced if I secure the councils’ support. I’m hopeful, but time will tell,” she said.