Social Democrats select their first Longford Westmeath rep

The Social Democrats are making headway in the midlands with their selection of Moate man Karl Picard as their area representative for Moate Athlone.

Karl intends working on local issues – like the funding of amenities such as Moate library and Moate Community College – and national issues, such as the introduction of an NHS for Ireland and an independent body to tackle state corruption.

On his commitment to community, particularly in rural Ireland, Karl said:

“Small town Ireland has been battered by austerity and the lack of government funding.

“Towns like Moate are left adrift – their young people either moving to Dublin or going abroad to places like Australia and Canada.

“The Social Democrats want to build strong communities in all parts of the country and for me that is critical for towns like Moate, Athlone, Mullingar and Longford.”

A Moate native, Karl has had an interest in politics from a young age.

He studied Politics and Law in NUI Galway and has recently completed an MA in Public Affairs and Political Communication.

He is also an avid rugby fan and is involved with Midland Warriors RFC.

He became involved with the Social Democrats prior to the general election in 2016 as their no nonsense approach to politics and the substance of the party's co-leaders, Catherine Murphy, TD, and Roisin Shortall, TD, appealed to him.

“Catherine and Roisin see a new vision for Ireland,” he said, “they want a more inclusive Ireland where young people, like myself, have the option of staying in their localities and bringing life back to rural Ireland.”

He also helped manage the campaign for party candidate, Niall O'Tuathail, in Galway West during the election.

“I am delighted to be chosen as the new local rep for the party for the Moate Athlone area,” said Karl.

“We're a new party who offer a fresh approach to politics in Ireland.

“Our Longford Westmeath branch is consistently building and I hope to continue that growth into the future.

“Anyone looking to get involved look us up on Facebook, Twitter, our website or come along to a branch meeting.”