Earlier this month, an NGO called Women for Election held a press event to announce female candidates for Election 2024 in which some 562 women are standing in for council seats.
It’s an impressive total, but it’s probably safe to say that most of the mainstream media will tend to ignore the female candidates who don’t fit the mould: the women who the establishment has decided have the wrong opinions, or those who might be critical of the National Women’s Council, or have decided that they’ll make up their own minds on a whole range of issues.
Many women felt the landslide No votes in March should have been a wake-up call for a government in thrall to NGOs who claim to speak for Irish women but who clearly do not.
Gript talked to 6 women, either Independents or from small parties, who are standing for election on June 7th. They don’t have the backing of a major network, or funding from the EU, or taxpayer monies at their disposal, or access to friendly mainstream media contacts, but they’ve stepped up to the plate and put themselves forward. Here’s what they said.
Linda de Courcy, Independent Ireland, Clondalkin
1: Why are you standing in Election 2024?
There are two issues in particular that really spurred me on. Like a lot of people, basically I’m just really fed up. Obviously immigration is a massive issue. I live in Clondalkin and last year we had about 1,300 migrants in the Moran Red Cow and a SIAC office building and smaller centres. So that’s a massive issue.
Then, even in the last two years, the demographics of the village has changed substantially, and the real, proverbial straw, I suppose, is when we found out about plans to pedestrianize Clondalkin village. So like they’re trying to do obviously with Dublin and then Ennis, and everywhere – get rid of car parks and get rid of cars.
Clondalkin is obviously a very old village. It’s got a round tower, and its quite congested, but everybody was absolutely up in arms. So we got a petition together. We got about 900 signatures from some of the various estates and dropped it into the Clondalkin offices.
I just said ok, I need to throw my hat in the ring.
2: What challenges – local and national – do you think people are most concerned with at this time?
Obviously, immigration is a massive one; the cost of living is another one. and then housing is a third one. But housing is directly related to the immigration issue.
People are really angry: the people I speak with at the doors, they’re really angry about immigration and the the cost of living. One of the things I like that Independent Ireland want to do is cut the carbon tax, cut the USC, and then cut the property tax for people over 65.
We just need to take the pressure off people in their day-to-day lives. And these carbon taxes are just so harmful: we’re seeing 212 to 220 restaurants closing in the first three and a half months of the year. It’s absolutely shocking. It’s just so expensive for people to run a business, especially small businesses.
It’s so expensive for people – and then people can’t go out because the cost of living has gone up. So, where you’d have gone to a restaurant or a coffee shop or an independent shop, its just it’s just too expensive now for a lot of people and businesses are suffering.
So the cost of living is, is a big issue as well. and then obviously housing. But what I’m saying to some people as well is that we have an awful lot of people who have come into the country and they’re not even from the EU, and they’re being given housing when some shouldn’t be here, and those houses should be given to Irish people or they should be put on the market so that Irish people have the opportunity to buy them or rent them. What definitely shouldn’t happen is that they are taken off housing stock for use for people who don’t contribute to society in any way. They’re I think the biggest, challenges most people are facing.
3: What has the response been like to date?
So – and I’m saying to this to people at the door – I’ve never done anything like this in my life before. I’m just really fed up with a lot of what’s going on. And I generally, I guess, get a smile or laugh. and, most people are like, yeah, you and me both something similar. So the response is generally positive. There’s a few people who just they just kind of don’t want to interact at all. I think they’re just so fed up with politicians, but usually when I get to explain that I’ve never done this before, that I’m independent, or that I’m running with independent Ireland, the response is good and some people are really happy.
I’ve had a couple of people, where I put a leaflet in their house, they came down the road in their car to find me and just actually thanked me for running, which is very humbling. I do really appreciate the fact that that people need change and want change.
It’s very encouraging. Of course, I’ve had a couple of people tell me that they’re happy with the immigration situation, maybe possibly three people. With one lady, we ended up actually having another good chat about something else. So that actually turned out quite positive.
4: Is it difficult to be heard during the election if you’re not standing for a major party?
I think that the most difficult thing obviously is raising funds. I’m standing in Clondalkin which includes Newcastle, Brittas and Rathcoole, so it’s a very big area, and the biggest challenges is not having the finances to get leaflets into every house, and I’m not going to get them into every house. And I’m limited on the number of posters I have up as well. So, the biggest difficulty as a candidate is just not having a big purse like obviously some of the major parties would have even for a local council election.
I don’t think getting on national media is that important in a local election. Obviously it would be great to have more of a higher profile, but I think it’s more about just getting the information in the door and knocking on as many doors as possible and speaking to as many people as possible.
5: What’s your political vision for Ireland and for Irish people?
My political vision is that we focus on our national obligations than our international ones: we need to focus on our own people. We need to look after our elderly people, for example, it’s just shocking that we have nursing homes being turned into asylum centres. It’s just genuinely shocking – and people are really angry about this – that young guys coming in are getting medical cards ahead of people who’ve worked here all their lives, who’ve paid taxes. There’s an awful lot of resentment about that which is very justified. So I suppose my political vision is that we prioritize our national obligations. We clean up our own house, we look after our own.
There’s a massive issue with a generation coming up who are on the autistic spectrum, where are the supports for them as they get older, as their parents get older? I mean, that’s a huge issue. And it’s come up quite a few times on the doors because it’s it’s it’s you know, obviously early intervention is is key. And young kids aren’t getting the support they need even now. But then what’s going to happen in 20 years or 25 years, when some of these parents with children are teenagers or adults – so we need to look after that. We need to plan in advance for things like that.
And we need to ease the cost of living for Irish people. We need to make it easier to do business. I’m a city girl, but because I’m a nutritional therapist and I suppose I’m big into the the quality of food, we should have a country where we prioritize our tourism, we prioritize our agriculture. There are two indigenous industries. If we look after this land, if we keep it beautiful, we’ll have, a fabulous, agriculture industry.
We can export good quality, best quality beef, lamb, dairy, all that stuff, you know, wherever we choose to exposure to. And we can also bring in tourists to play golf and see the sights and go angling: there’s a fabulous potential for us. We don’t need to be building more data centers.
They’ve just given approval for another massive data center to go in Grange Castle, which is just insane. We we shouldn’t be doing that at all. So in summary, I think putting the Irish people first in their own homeland, making sure that, people who are Irish even second or third generation who’ve had to move abroad if they want to come home, that we should facilitate them moving home.
But definitely people who were born and grew up here and who’ve had to leave like they shouldn’t have to leave or they don’t want to, they should be able to come back. So facilitating their return is important.
Linda de Courcy has officially announced her candidacy for the Clondalkin Local Electoral Area (LEA) in the upcoming local elections. With a strong background in health and wellness, Linda brings a wealth of experience and a passion for delivering change in local government.… pic.twitter.com/CB7j0icVmL
— Independent Ireland (@independent_ire) April 10, 2024
Catherina O’Sullivan, Aontú, Kenmare
1: Why are you standing in Election 2024?
I’m running for local election because I believe it’s time for a change. We’ve had the same parties representing us for too long, and things have only worsened. Our country is wealthy, yet investment seems to favor Dublin, neglecting rural Ireland. We need accountability and change. I offer a fresh, fearless approach to politics.
2. What challenges – local and national – do you think people are most concerned with at this time?
Housing is a critical issue at the doorstep. With 4,500 people on the social housing list and only 2,200 social houses available, the disparity is glaring. Moreover, 149 of these houses remain unoccupied, deteriorating while people struggle with high rents. We must refurbish and fill these homes within three weeks of vacancy to provide timely relief for those in need. We also need to start building more social and affordable houses. People are falling through the gaps, some make too much to qualify for a social house but to little to qualify for a mortgage. Planning is also a huge issue here in south Kerry, children are unable to build on their parents farm and they too are also paying huge rents. People are also unable to build in some towns due to the outdated sewage systems.
The roads in south Kerry are in bad shape, filled with pot holes, uneven surfaces and poor drainage. We have issues with very little footpaths, poor lighting and due to the green agenda foliage overgrown around signage which is posing a safely risk for motorists.
Rising rates are driving small businesses to closure, transforming once vibrant villages and towns into ghost towns. This decline discourages tourists from visiting, significantly impacting our economy heavily reliant on tourism.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, people experienced isolation, leading to a surge in individuals seeking mental health support, as observed in my role as a mental health nurse. Now, the closure of small businesses is perpetuating this isolation, affecting both young and old who rely on cafes and restaurants as social hubs. Everyone needs accessible spaces for social interaction.
People are also concerned about the current issue of immigration. Lack of consultation in communities is driving a wedge between locals and migrants. The usage of hotels that locals used for activities like swimming have been closed to the public, forcing people to drive over an hour to the nearest swimming pool with their children. This is also having an effect on people with disabilities who have used the facilities in the local hotel swimming pool but now have nowhere to go. Tourists also have limited accommodation due to hotels being occupied.
3: What has the response been like to date?
The atmosphere on the doorstep is incredibly positive. I find most people to be warm and engaging; they simply want their voices to be heard, and I thoroughly enjoy listening to them.
4: Is it difficult to be heard during the election if you’re not standing for a major party?
Fortunately, I haven’t encountered this issue. Media outlets in Kerry have consistently published press releases, and I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in a debate on Radio Kerry.
5: What’s your political vision for Ireland and for Irish people?
I have a vision that emphasizes traditional family values, sovereignty, and economic justice. I promote policies aimed at supporting rural communities, protecting Irish culture and language, and prioritizing the needs of ordinary citizens over corporate interests. I also advocate for increased investment in healthcare, education, and housing, with a focus on improving the quality of life for all Irish citizens.
One of the most unexpected issues at the doors we hear constantly is the state of our roads.
— Aontú Chiarraí (@AontuC) May 28, 2024
You would think in 2024 we could have fixed something as straightforward as proper road surfaces across the county.https://t.co/NdzV3F2llX
Amanda Gallagher, Irish Freedom Party, Sligo-Drumcliffe
1. Why are you standing in Election 2024?
I am standing in Election 2024, as I see a huge change in our beautiful country – a change in our demographics, our peace, our safety, and in our ability to express our opinions. I feel that there is no candidate in our local area who would align with my own views on immigration – views which are shared by 79% of the Nation, according to recent polls, so I felt compelled to take it upon myself to run. I work very hard within my community, and am always on hand for people to assist them with forms for housing, social welfare etc. If elected I will absolutely speak up for my constituents and stand with them, especially on serious issues, such as mass immigration, which has rapidly become a local issue.
2. What challenges – local and national – do you think people are most concerned with at this time?
The number one issue at the doors is immigration, people are dismayed at the daily stories of utter incompetence by this Government and indeed the silence of the opposition, on this very serious issue. Housing also comes up, I met one family who are now 17 years on the Social Housing List, and they watch as immigrants get handed keys to homes a few doors down from them, they are past being angry at this stage, and are now just heartbroken. I have also met many young people in their twenties, still living in their childhood rooms, or renting from a landlord and who are absolutely worn out with the worry of where their future is headed in regards to ever being able to afford to purchase their first home. Another issue that is coming up, is the lack of facilities for teenagers – I was one of the main campaigners for a new state-of-the-art Playground which we constructed in our local village – a project that took just 9 months to complete – if elected I will focus on a modern ‘Youth Zone’ for Teenagers in the locality.
3. What has the response been like to date?
The response I have been getting at the doors has been nothing short of amazing. Some people frown at me when they first open the door, seemingly my bright green Irish Freedom Party jacket is mistaken for a Green Party one! Soon, the ice breaks, and I am in full conversation with them about the chaos that unfolds daily, from people entering the country with no passports to Tent cities to self-deportations! I have been invited into kitchens, offered coffee, biscuits, even a bottle of beer and on one occasion given a warm homemade loaf of bread to take with me on my way! It is a genuinely uplifting experience to canvass for yourself, especially now in the Ireland of 2024, we all have an unspoken connection, and whether I am elected or not, I am thankful that I have had so many wonderful conversations with people, and that at least, they know they are not alone in their thinking. People are hungry for a listening ear on the issue of immigration but a very sad aspect of being the listening ear, is that they are so afraid of speaking about immigration that they whisper, even on their own doorsteps, just in case their neighbours hear them. This is something that will change if I am elected, as I will be their voice, they will finally have a representative who is on their side
4. Is it difficult to be heard during the election if you’re not standing for a major party?
As a candidate running for a smaller party, we have to deal with running a campaign on a shoestring. For example, I have put up only thirty posters in total across my entire LEA. Averaging two or three in each village. In contrast, those candidates who are running with the bigger parties have a couple of hundred posters up. This does not particularly worry me, as my posters may be few, but they are unique and this, along with our message of prioritising the Irish people first, is what will resonate and attract voters to me I feel. I am fortunate in that I have been a regular contributor to our local radio station Ocean FM over the years, and most recently debated the EU Migration Pact with Maria Walsh MEP, and last Monday we had the Local Election Candidate Debate which went very well. So, I feel I have been heard well during this election campaign, but nothing beats the one-to-one conversations at the door to feel totally heard
5. What’s your political vision for Ireland and for Irish people?
I have a very simple political vision for Ireland and for the Irish people; I want an Ireland where we no longer have a broken immigration system – where people do not enter without passports and where deportations are actual deportations. An Ireland where the Irish people are once again put first, especially for Housing and Employment, that affordable homes are built by the State, just like we did as a Nation in the 1930s and 40s, and that they are plentiful. An Ireland where family-friendly policies exist to encourage couples to have more children, and there are payments for stay-at-home Mothers or Fathers for example. And finally, an Ireland where all of us, but most especially our women, children and elderly are safe as they go about their daily lives, and that people are free to express their thoughts and opinions without the fear of being labelled or sacked from their jobs. I do believe this vision of mine is shared by thousands of others, and that it is realistic and attainable sooner than we imagine!
Local Election News 🇮🇪👇 pic.twitter.com/NCbBOM0pN4
— Mandy Gall (@TheMandyGall) January 28, 2024
Becky Kealy, Aontú, Kanturk
1: Why are you standing in Election 2024?
I am standing because I want to work for and represent the people in my LEA fairly. Some TDs and Cllrs tend to only focus on their own patch which means a lot of our area is neglected. I would like to see our roads getting the proper attention that they need. I would like to see more investment into the towns and villages in rural Ireland, from preschools to playgrounds to sports complexes.
I would like to see the people in Rural Ireland better connected to the people in their wider communities, negating the effects of loneliness and isolation. The mismanagement of immigration also needs to be called out by strong local voices – and the neglect of rural communities by the government.
I’m glad to be an active member of my community, and am the vice chair of Kanturk & District Community Council. I have led a number of campaigns such as ‘Save our Fishing Fleet Campaign’.
We need more gardaí and safer communities across our towns and villages in North Cork, and I campaigned against the closing of Ballincollig fire station.
I am well known for sticking up for the farmers, and stood with the farmers outside the factory gates of Dawn meats in Charleville when they were being forced to sell their cattle at a price that was lower than the cost of production.
I led the Aontú campaign against hospital overcrowding at CUH. I highlighted the importance of keeping our bogs open and for people to have the right to foot their own turf. I also devote a lot of my time to the support of young expectant mothers and their children who may be struggling emotionally or financially.
2: What challenges – local and national – do you think people are most concerned with at this time?
Farming is a huge issue obviously, and many of us feel that our way of life and our culture in rural Ireland is under attack. From our fisheries to our farmers, it feels like the focus of the government and the EU is to penalise us and crucify ordinary people with carbon taxes and penalties.
Farmers have been so undervalued and disrespected now for a long time – but if we have no farmers, we have no food. Farmers are literally being driven off the land here. We are meeting parents who have told us that they are advising the kids not to take up farming.
We have the spectre of Ireland importing beef from Brazil and Argentina while our farmers are being asked to reduce their herd numbers. Our farmers are key to our food security. What would happen in the event of a global strife? What if our import supply was cut off? Would we even be able to feed ourselves?”
Look at the issue with local peat harvesting – its the same completely illogical thinking. We imported 20,000 tons of peat last year, an unbelievable amount when you consider that at the same time the government rushed to close down Bord na Mona peat harvesting – and we have our own people, who’ve been cutting turf for generations, threatened with being fined for doing something that’s their absolute right. I cut turf last summer and I will again this year.
Immigration is coming up on the doors, the mismanagement of this issue by the current government has led to a high level mistrust among the public and when the needs of the immigrants are prioritized over the needs of the citizens, then that has led to upset.
Rural crime and antisocial behaviour in our towns, means there have been calls for increased garda presence in both those areas. The closure of South Doc services in Kanturk is still being talked about. This government talked about bringing care back into the community but they did quite the opposite.
3: What has the response been like to date?
It’s been great, people are lovely, its a pleasure to be on the canvass even with a small baby sometimes demanding you come home. Sometimes the stories you hear are heartbreaking: the government has really failed to help those who need it most. We’ve always had great community spirit in this country, looked out for each other, but the establishment has lost that connection with the people.
4: Is it difficult to be heard during the election if you’re not standing for a major party?
The short answer is that its definitely harder for small parties and independents to be heard, but local media is a lot fairer than RTÉ! You do what you can, and get to as many doors as you can.
5: What’s your political vision for Ireland and for Irish people?
I want to see the country managed properly: there’s no need for so much mismanagement and failure. Stick to the Proclamation: cherish all the children equally – take care of people when they need us, make sure people are treated fairly, put the country and the people first.
Margaret “Alacoque” Maguire, Ireland First, Mullingar – and EU candidate for Ireland Midlands–North-West
1. Why are you standing in Election 2024?
To be honest, I have always had a keen interest in politics, but I never thought I would be standing for election up until recently. In some ways, I’m a reluctant candidate. I found the extreme restrictions on our freedom of movement, quickly followed by over a hundred thousand arrivals into our country without any basic checks or questions asked, absolutely astonishing.
I see a huge disconnect between the politicians and the people they are paid to represent, and naivety can no longer be considered as an excuse. Those elected are fully aware of the feelings of the majority, as poll after poll has told them. The government and the opposition are deliberately ignoring the wishes of the Irish people, in order to follow what I believe to be an ideological vision. So all of this has dragged me into the political sphere.
2. What challenges – local and national – do you think people are most concerned with at this time?
Immigration is the number one issue – both legal and illegal migration is out of control and the dogs on the street know it. Most people have no problem with sustainable levels of immigration to fill particular skills shortages and if the infrastructure is there for Irish people first, but as we know, that is not happening. We are getting asylum seekers from the UK and other safe countries, and people feel that these mostly undocumented men are being prioritised, whilst Irish people are getting further and further down the pecking order for essential services.
In regard to housing, house prices are completely outside of most people’s affordability bracket. People are in a state of panic on this issue, because they worry that if they wait and try to save a larger deposit, the house prices will be even further out of reach. Those on the social housing list are there for years, with two or sometimes three generations living in the same house. There is a lot of anger surrounding the issue of non-nationals being given brand new social housing within months of landing into the country.
On the economy, we are constantly being told that we are a rich country, yet this is definitely not being felt by the people I speak to at the doors. A lot of people do not feel financially secure and have to make sacrifices in order to feed and clothe their children. There is also a growing feeling that there is another financial crisis around the corner.
3. What has the response been like to date?
I have had mostly positive responses at the doors, I’d say around 90%. Now, whether that is just people feeling sorry for the supposed ‘far right ’ candidate stood at the door in the rain, I guess I’ll have to wait until polling day to find out.
4. Is it difficult to be heard during the election if you’re not standing for a major party?
It absolutely is. I have a letter at home from RTE telling me that their election coverage is based on ‘past electoral performance’, therefore giving preference to legacy party candidates and Independents that have stood in the previous election. Why they have chosen this selection process is anyone’s guess. Surely people already know their stance on the major issues. The guidelines relating to this were updated on 30th April 2024, the same day it became official that there were a plethora of nationalists running in each constituency.
Also, the ‘roll call’ of candidates seen at the end of the debates that the same 8/9 faces are seen in does name the remaining candidates, but doesn’t mention our party name.
5. What’s your political vision for Ireland and for Irish people?
I believe that this government is too involved in people’s lives – and too into people’s pockets. I don’t know quite how we got to this point, but it’s not good in my opinion. My vision is for a small state government that does its job by serving the people, not the other way around. Any involvement into people lives should be to enhance and make things easier and better and should end there, laws permitting obviously.
Being able to have families and buy houses is just not possible for a lot of people. So I would like to remedy that through more tax incentives for working families, rent to buy, buy to build and extensions to the first time buyer scheme.
I would also like to see more incentives for small and medium size businesses and for more protections for the self-employed. Also, employment rights for Irish nationals, to stop employers importing cheap labour, driving our wages down and cost of living up.
We need an immigration system that works for the Irish people and this one is certainly not doing that. 22% of our population are non-national and that number is far too high. I would like a points based immigration system that sees short to medium term work permits for skills shortages, whilst we train our own people to fill those skills gaps long term. We need to retain our young people, instead of watching them leave, as they see it as the only option for a decent life.
The asylum system is a mess and I believe it to be deliberately so. I would like to see a system that very quickly weeds out the people that we shouldn’t be seeing here seeking asylum. Detainment of illegal entrants into the country, deportation of failed asylum seekers, a comprehensive list of safe/third countries and faster processing procedures I believe would see a dramatic fall in numbers coming to Ireland to seek asylum.
A lot of communities and businesses in Ireland are still decimated by the ridiculously strict lockdowns forced upon us. I would like to see these towns and villages revitalised through SME start up schemes, house building projects and more large employers located outside of the cities.
Also, a fairer healthcare system with free GP consultations, instead of the system we have now where the non medical card holders struggle to afford to pay to see a doctor.
A full review of NGO sector funding is also something that I think is desperately needed.
Úna McGurk, Independent, EU candidate for Ireland South
1: Why are you standing in Election 2024?
I am standing for election because of my deep concern at the current state of our country, the direction the EU is taking, and the significant influence the EU has in relation to our country. Agenda and legislation currently being promoted by the EU, no longer accord with the original aim to “promote peace, its values and the well being of its citizens” with it mission, to “guarantee peace, freedom and security in an around Europe.
Over 70 % of our laws emanate from the EU, and a significant portion of policies and agendas which form the current bedrock of our society, and the framework for Government, have either emanated from, or have been channelled through the EU. In particular I am concerned that this Governments failures in relation to Asylum and Immigration policies are associated with and influenced by EU Immigration and Asylum Policy, and that this is not good for the Irish People or Ireland as a country. In Europe, I can expose the real causes behind mass migration , which are neither organic or natural.
I am a strong advocate for Freedom of Speech having done a number of interviews, and created videos on the subject matter of our Hate speech and Hate crime laws. I also have a concern about any potential abuse of the Digital Services Act, and I believe that when I am elected, and a member of the European Parliament, I will be in a stronger position to monitor that.
I am concerned at the increasing loss of our sovereignty as a Nation as a result of incremental ceding of sovereignty to the EU. I support Irish Farmers and fishing and will do all I can to ensure they are treated with the respect they deserve, in order to preserve an important part of our heritage. I do not support the culling of the national herd or the Nature Restoration Law.
In Europe, as an MEP I will have the necessary platform to utilise my skill and experience particularly as a Barrister and Senior Counsel, to advocate for only measures that are beneficial for the Irish people, and in particular my constituents in Ireland South. I will monitor all policy, agenda and legislative measures to ensure that they accord with and are beneficial for the Irish people, and if necessary utilise my skill and experience to lobby against and or vote against any measures which are not so beneficial. In Europe I will work to protect the Irish people from the effects of the proposed WHO pandemic treaty and the amended International Health Regulations.
As an independent, I am not beholden to any party or any whip, and I consider that gives me a very strong advantage over other candidates who are members of political parties, especially the larger ones. In Europe I can and will use my voice to be the voice of the people. I have already demonstrated my courage in speaking Truth to Power, so therefore my constituents can rely on me to honour my commitments and pledges to them.
I have significant skill and experience as a Barrister and Senior Counsel. I have practised in the area of civil law and criminal law. I have worked as quasi judicial Adjudicator on a number of Tribunals in the areas of Employment law, Refugee Law, Mental Health Law and the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal. I have a basic degree in History Psychology and Classical Civilisation. I have an Executive Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy. I have worked at the highest levels with Government representing them on important Forums such as the Forum for Europe and the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. I am an accredited Mediator. I was ( the youngest in the World at the time) National Chairperson of the Irish Red Cross Society. I believe this skill set and experience will be of significant benefit to both myself and my constituents, as a member of the European Parliament
2: What challenges – local and national – do you think people are most concerned with at this time?
The single most important challenge that concerns the Irish people both at a local and National level is the issue of mass migration and the installation of what appear to be unvetted male migrants in particular, who are being placed in communities against the will of the people. The lack of consultation with local people by public representatives, and the Government regarding this issue.
3: What has the response been like to date?
The response to me has been overwhelmingly positive. In particular because I as a candidate have challenged Government policy on a number of issues, as hereinbefore mentioned. All of these issues are of great concern to all the people and voters that I have spoken to at various meetings within the constituency. It is also significant that the people I have spoken with and listened to, no longer support or trust the main political parties, or the political establishment. The people I have spoken with, are very appreciative of the fact that I have made a number of informative videos on these topics.
4: Is it difficult to be heard during the election if you’re not standing for a major party?
Yes to date, I have not had any opportunity like other independent candidates (unless they are sitting politicians ) to have my voice heard on the National Broadcaster. ie RTE television or radio. I will also get an opportunity to do a short interview with Clare FM and with a panel on Kilkenny Radio, which is also very good news.
5: What’s your political vision for Ireland and for Irish people?
My vision for the Irish and the Irish people is that they reclaim their sovereignty. In particular with restoration of control of their borders by taking back their power in not opting in to the EU Asylum and Migration Pact, taking control of, and implementing a better Asylum and Migration System that is fair and functional, a Public Debate on this vitally important issue for the Irish People, and a National Debate on our membership of the EU, and our Association with other Supra National Organisations, such as the UN, the WHO and the W.E.F. If such is not enabled by this current Government that we will get a new Government which is truly representative of the people, in enabling such, which are essential for the future of Ireland, and the Irish people.