Local Elections 2019 - Meet the candidates, Mullingar LEA
The people of Westmeath go to the polls tomorrow, Friday May 24 to elect a new county council and to pick four MEPs to represent the Midlands North West Constituency in the EU.
A referendum on proposed changes to the divorce legislation will also take place.
Following a review by the Local Electoral Boundary Committee, the three current municipal districts – the two seven-seaters, Mullingar-Kilbeggan and Athlone, and the six-seater, Mullingar-Coole – are being replaced by four new districts Mullingar (six seats), Kinnegad (five), Moate (four), and Athlone (five).
We sent out a short questionnaire to the candidates running in the Mullingar, Kinnegad and Moate Electoral Areas to find out what they feel are the most important issues in their localities and to give readers a better insight into the people who want to represent them for the next five years.
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Seamus
Burke
Address: Ardleigh, Mullingar
Party: Aontú
Clubs/Organisations: Mullingar Aontú Cumann, TUI (Teachers Union of Ireland), Azure Fitness Centre, Mullingar.
Special areas of interest: Education and educational opportunity/Access: Maintaining the already existing high standards in education. Recent educational reforms are only a front for more cutbacks. Much more focus is needed on apprenticeships as well as further education and training.
Environment: Plastic waste is a massive problem that is within the gift of the government to fix immediately. It could be fixed quickly if the political will was there.
Why are you running? I am deeply concerned about the direction our country is going in. We are no longer citizens but subjects in our own country. People are being deprived more and more of their time and money but are experiencing no improvement in the quality of their lives. Many people are crushed but have no voice to represent them.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? Quality of life for people, especially access to services and healthcare. Water quality in Lough Ennell.
One thing people may not know about you: Not answered.
Sorca Clarke
Address: 65 Ardleigh Vale, Mullingar
Party: Sinn Féin
Clubs/Organisations: I’m a member of Family Carers Ireland and other local and national groups that offer support to those with children with additional needs. I’m a member of the National Women’s Council of Ireland.
My younger daughters both recently took up football for St Loman’s and camogie for Plunkett’s and it’s great fun to get involved with them again.
Special areas of interest: Disability advocacy and services, domestic violence support services, education and training, STEM.
Why are you running? The job description of a county councillor is very vague and I’ve found that it really is what you make of it. I’m not someone who is content to coast along doing the bare minimum and am dedicated to working for my constituents to the very best of my ability. Since elected five years ago, I have used my role to demonstrate how politics can be used to positively affect people’s lives, to create better links between the executive/staff with those who need their assistance and to be the voice of all my community in the chamber.
It’s a real privilege to work for such a great town, we have huge potential and I want to continue to work towards us achieving it.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? Access to opportunities: Whether it relates to employment, housing, education, training, health and medical care, transport, my constituents consistently raise with me the fact that no matter what they require or attempt to undertake, they find barriers are put in their way or are confronted with layers with red tape.
Housing: While the national press may be continually raising the housing crisis in the major cities, there is absolutely no doubt that it is being painfully felt here for a huge proportion of people of all ages – younger people looking for their first homes, families who have outgrown their current accommodation, those looking to downsize, those who are on notices to quit, in homeless accommodation and those who are essentially homeless but don’t appear on any list or statistics. There is a lack of housing generally and also in areas where there are specific needs such as older people, those with mobility issues or a disability.
The most frequent issue is housing, without a doubt. Followed by the lack of investment by the local authority in what people would see as the role of a council – maintenance of housing estates, street lighting, footpaths and roads, public bins, playgrounds, heritage protection and general public amenities.
One thing people may not know about you: I’m an unrepentant lover of Lego. My family bought me the Taj Mahal for Christmas and it was 5,923 pieces of pure bliss. Fingers crossed for the Star Wars Death Star next!
Cllr Bill
Collentine
Address: Railway House, Dominick Street, Mullingar
Party: Fianna Fáil
Clubs/Organisations: Mullingar Tidy Towns, Good2Talk, Training and Development Agency, Dominick Street Traders and Residents, Westmeath Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Committee.
Special areas of interest: Local business and tourism, youth development, local environment issues.
Why are you running? To be a voice for local business and families and give back to the community who have given so much to me.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? The development of local business, to provide jobs and keep younger generations within the locality. As a local businessman I understand the pressures that self-employed people face and feel they need a voice at local government.
As a proud family man, I realise that despite the economic recovery many local families still face many struggles. The recovery has not materialised for many people in the locality. I want to be a voice for those people.
One thing people may not know about you: That I still enjoy getting my hands dirty in the plumbing business and teaching my new grandchildren the tricks of the trade.
Aoife
Davitt
Address: Ladestown, Mullingar
Party: Fianna Fáil
Clubs/Organisations: Secretary of Cullion Camogie Club for nearly 10 years, coach in St Loman’s Football Club, Clonkill Hurling Club, Mullingar Hockey Club, Jets, Taughmon/Turin Community Games and Westmeath Camogie.
During the Camogie Association’s 100-year anniversary, I performed the role of ambassador for Westmeath. I also trained as a tutor for Coaching Ireland and have travelled throughout Ireland delivering camogie coaching courses.
While resident in Deravara and Cloon Lara, I was an active member of the residents associations there. I am currently the equality officer in the Mullingar branch of ASTI.
Special areas of interest: Being a teacher, I would have to say education for all and provisions for people with special needs and disabilities.
Why are you running? Having just completed a term on the board of management at Loreto College, I am acutely aware of the needs of young people and their families in our society today, not just in terms of education but housing, health care and support networks for mental health and wellbeing. I will be a strong advocate for these vital provisions for the people of the Mullingar Electoral Area.
With the centenary celebrations of Women Voting in Ireland, I want to inspire more women to become involved in politics and to be a role model for the 120 CSPE students that I am currently teaching and who will be sitting their Junior Certificate examinations in June.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area: Broadband: Businesses struggling to function with no connection to broadband and the frustration of being within close proximity to connections. People are finding it difficult to get answers regarding the timescale of when it will be delivered to them also. Stories of people having to return to work during the night to download or access information and students not being able to return home during weekends or holidays as they cannot access work for college or school.
Mullingar Town: Fears in relation to the current situation regarding the enhancement of Mullingar town, the narrowing of streets, the lack of parking on main streets for the elderly, disabled, families and the inclusion of cycle lanes.
One thing people may not know about you: My father worked in St Loman’s Hospital and from a young age I was always encouraged by my parents to celebrate the ability of every person and to always respect and help people.
This cultivated a keen interest in social justice and development education, a subject I have taught to students for many years where we discuss, engage and support social issues, locally, nationally and internationally. I have worked on many different projects by creating awareness, volunteering, and supporting including: John’s Amani Trust; Hope 4 Homeless: Cycle against Suicide; TEAM; Mullingar MRI Scanner appeal and Chernobyl’s Children’s Trust.
Mick
Dollard
Address: 15 Beech Grove, Mullingar
Party: Non-party
Clubs/Organisations: St Loman’s GAA Club, Mullingar ONO, director of TEAM, and chairperson of Riverside Community Centre.
Special area of interest: Education, healthcare, housing provision, community development.
Why are you running? To continue to represent people and organisations and community groups.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? (1) Inadequate inward investment into Mullingar. Marlinstown IDA Business Park is a perfect example. (2) Huge public transport deficit. Successive governments have failed to provide the financial resources whereby Mullingar is accessible to all parts of the community – resulting in an inadequate tourism, social and cultural easy accessibility.
(More than) one thing people may not know about you: I am a former member of the PDF, was a member of the nursing staff at St Loman’s Hospital. I am a Peace Commissioner.
Andrew
Duncan
Address: 24 Dominick Street
Party: Fine Gael
Clubs/Organisations: President of Leinster Irish Athletic Boxing Association IABA and Member of the Board of IABA. Member of several local trout angling clubs.
Special areas of interest: Waterways business and local amenities.
Why are you running? Because I feel I can have some positive influence on the future of Mullingar.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? Jobs and local amenities. Mullingar plays second fiddle to other midland towns in terms of attractiveness as a base, this is slowly starting to change with the help of the chamber of commerce and the IDA (an application for planning permission for an advance factory at IDA park for eg), but requires consistent promotion. There is also a need for more amenities, I feel we should encourage children to play outside more by installing amenities/playgrounds, for example, and we should also make more use of existing infrastructure like Columb barracks and Loman’s Hospital and green areas for the benefit of the community.
One thing people may not know about you: I am the acting chairman of the Northern Ireland Fisheries Board (Foyle and Loughs Agency).
Ken
Glynn
Address: 2 Brosna Grove, Clonmore, Mullingar
Party: Fianna Fáil
Clubs/Organisations: I work with numerous residents associations as well as serve on a number of boards within our community.
Special areas of interest: Working with communities, housing needs, promoting Mullingar in every way possible and helping people in any way I can.
Why are you running? I want to continue to be a voice both for residents, their local areas and Mullingar town. I have been a strong voice in local government and am very passionate in putting our community first.
I will continue to work to ensure that the entire area will receive its fair share of investment from the council and that the voices of our local communities will always be heard.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? Housing is a huge issue with many families and individuals facing fear of homelessness or are currently in that position. Also the lack of affordable housing and available service sites for young families seeking to buy a home.
Inward investment for our county town – Mullingar – must remain high on all agendas with greater promotion of the town and the region to potential industry investors.
One thing people may not know about you: I don’t make promises I can’t keep instead I work hard for any individual, family or group who seeks my help or support.
Gerry Heery
Address: 16 Oakcrest, Mullingar
Party: Fine Gael
Clubs/Organisations: Member of Lakeside Wheelers, former player with Cullion Hurling Club and Bunbrosna Football Club.
Special areas of interest: Special education, disability services and strengthening our communities.
Why are you running? I am a teacher of special education at St Brigid’s school in Mullingar and most importantly, I am an ordinary Mullingar man who wants to take a lead in progressing my community. I want to advocate for the most vulnerable children and adults in our community and ensure the policies of Westmeath County Council are disability proofed and have a strong community focus.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? There are many national issues such as the provision of broadband services and challenges that face the retail sector; however, two local issues that I am focusing on are strengthening our communities and special education. I want to see support for parents to include services for children when they turn 18. As someone who has always been involved in various clubs and sports from Cullion Hurling Club to Bunbrosna Football Club and Lakeside Wheelers cycling club, I have always had a strong community focus. I have worked with the Irish Special Schools Sports Council to give those with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sport. This is a critical year for Westmeath as the new council will develop the new county development plan which will shape our county for the next seven years, I want to ensure policies contained in it foster our communities and respect our environment.
One thing people may not know about you: I am a keen cyclist!
Margaret
Lynam
Sweeney
Address: Lakepoint Mullingar
Party: Labour
Clubs/Organisations: Not answered.
Special areas of interest: The supports and needs of foster caring and caring for the elderly.
Why are you running? I am a lifelong working supporter of the Labour Party in the Mullingar Branch and have supported local TD Willie Penrose and former Labour councillor Mick Dollard. As Mick Dollard is no longer on the Labour ticket, I am looking forward to getting elected to address and help progress the needs of the community here in Mullingar.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? Employment and education, when addressed, will lead to more sustainable jobs for Mullingar and supported with a more reasoned approach to business rates and supports for start-ups. Embryonic start-ups are closing due to over burdensome rates and other statutory regulatory issues. Change such as the provision of a 3-year rates-free period will assist these start-ups succeed, thereby creating more sustainable local jobs. Third level education for Mullingar will attract students and locals to study without the costs associated with cities; being an outreach third level centre would be a big help.
One thing people may not know about you: I am the proud daughter of a father who served in the Irish Defence Forces both at home and abroad with the UN in the Congo and Cyprus. His sense of duty and loyalty were engrained in the family and this has brought perspective to me as to what public service actually means personally. This public service sense of duty is within everybody, hence so many local people have volunteered to represent their communities by running for local elections.
Sean Lynch
Address: 60 Newtown Lawns
Party: Whenever I can.
Clubs/Organisations: Director co/writer Mullingar Panto Group. Director Mullingar Student Players. Founder/director Rail Theatre Co.
Special areas of interest: Youth development, theatre.
Why are you running? To strive to have the decision making process of the council executive more honest, transparent and accountable. Almost all of the functions of a county council are now vested in the executive.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? In my opinion the two most pressing issues in the area are health and housing. The responsibility for these issues falls into the lap of your national representatives – TDs. Two of the areas where I can effect change as a councillor are the environment and Columb Barracks.
One thing people may not know about you: I was once a male model – unfortunately the demand seems to have waned.
Chris
Murtagh
Address: Not answered.
Party: Independent.
Clubs/Organisations: A former chairperson of Westmeath County Childcare Committee; inspector with Westmeath Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for three years; have years of experience in local community groups.
Special areas of interest: As a poster-free campaigner, I earlier this year called on Westmeath county councillors and Mullingar Tidy Towns committee to support my call for a voluntary ban on single use plastic election posters. I am passionate about our environment and community projects.
Why are you running? I am running in the Mullingar Local Electoral Area as I have a profound understanding of the local issues affecting the people of Mullingar, through life experiences and local knowledge, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to seeking a resolution to all concerns and issues brought to me. And to achieve and look after the people of Mullingar, I must get myself elected as an independent councillor to Westmeath County Council.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? The two biggest issues that I have encountered on the doorsteps over the last weeks are:
Housing: Our government’s reliance on the private sector rather than on putting bricks and mortar in the ground has generated a massive social housing crisis. We are wasting billions on the private rented sector rather than building new units. Our local authorities should be directly building new homes and as a councillor I will lobby to provide more social housing through purpose-built units.
Environment: I believe that the local community is the best place to enable, encourage and lead the radical change needed to respond to climate change. With that in mind I will be calling for the establishment of a Climate Action Committee in every local authority. Our young people should be afforded a key and participative role in such structures, given that they have led the school strikes for climate change action. The whole community should be empowered to lead and foster direct action in tackling climate change.
One thing people may not know about you: I am a passionate Leinster rugby supporter.
Mark Scally
Address: 24 Willowbrook, Mullingar.
Party: Labour.
Clubs/Organisations: Westmeath Pool Association, Westmeath Minor Football and Hurling Teams, St Loman’s Football Club, Castletown Geoghegan Hurling Club and Clonkill Camogie Club.
Special areas of interest: volunteer Citizens Information officer, volunteer director of Army Naval Service and Air Corp Credit Union (ANSAC), promoting and advocating on behalf of small start-ups in Mullingar and alleviating the high costs burden of their formative years.
Why are you running? I want to be a voice for residents, business owners and employers and try to help bring about change and shape to the future of the town by enabling change to the rates regime and high costs of running business in Mullingar.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? There is an immediate need for social and affordable housing in our community and the second issue would be to advocate for continual upgrading of facilities and services of the regional hospital in Mullingar. The previous manner of buy to let schemes was successful and enabled many to access the funds to own their own homes in an affordable manner. The council should be building homes. The hospital needs continuous upgrading as the population grows in the county and further afield.
One thing people may not know about you: I was chairman of Westmeath County Camogie Board.
Hazel Smyth
Address: Killucan
Party: Green Party
Clubs/Organisations: Free Legal Aid Clinic (FLAC), ALONE, Le Chéile, Volunteer Service International, Irish Women’s Lawyers Association, International Association of Privacy Professionals and Girls in Tech. I’m a yoga, tennis and triathlon enthusiast too.
Special areas of interest: Environmental issues (more affordable housing options and better planning decisions, improved infrastructure generally, increase in tree planting, improve waste management facilities), community services (health related improvements, childcare related facilities and local events) and supporting local businesses.
Why are you running? As a qualified barrister who has worked in international infrastructure, tax and technology companies, I have a wide range of expertise in advocating on behalf of others. I would love the opportunity to bring my experience as a volunteer and board director for various NGOs to the council; in addition to my knowledge of local business and community needs, from growing up in Mullingar. My primary objectives would be to improve public transportation, housing, community services and address local environmental issues. I’m always available to go the extra mile and I’m excited to inject new energy and fresh, smart ideas into how our community is governed. If elected, I’m confident that Mullingar will be a better place for all.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? Among other matters such as community and healthcare issues, we have (i) major issues with infrastructure generally in Mullingar – in terms of the frequency and availability of our bus and train services; as well as cycle lanes and road conditions; (ii) Housing and planning decisions – there is a major shortage of rental accommodation in Mullingar and affordable housing options, which has meant that young people like me struggle to live in Mullingar and businesses struggle. I’m excited to develop a strategy to tackle these issues.
One thing people may not know about you: I was auditor of the University College Cork (UCC) environmental society when it became the first university in the world to win a green flag!
Alice
McDonnell
Address: 4 Auburn Avenue, Mullingar.
Party: None.
Clubs/Organisations: Transformative Recovery College: member of Aontas, the National Adult Learning Organisation.
Special areas of interest: mental health and education.
Why are you running? I want to bring people hope for mental wellbeing and care in our community. It is very important in today’s society to address issues in mental health, disability, care, education and loneliness in our community. We need more support for community-based solutions that fit needs of people and in a time, location and at cost that suits everyone.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? 1. Mental health – There is a lack of support and commitment for community-based mental health services locally for children, adults and people with disabilities. The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) highlighted 70 Irish children, of school-going age, died by suicide in 2017.
2. Education – the lack of commitment and recognition in the role of adult and community education in creating wider benefits of learning such as social inclusion, civic engagement, and health and wellbeing, beyond the benefits of employment and macroeconomics. The disjointed state funding that arises when funding is provided by more than 10 government departments, and the burdensome and duplicative regulatory reporting requirements. The Local Enterprise Offices are not accessible to community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises and this needs to change.
(More than) one thing people may not know about you: I have a long history in community development and community education. I am a founder of the Transformative Recovery College in Mullingar that supports mental health and wellbeing for free or at low cost. I am on disability payment due to cancer and other health issues. I have lived experience of how suicide can affect everyone in the family. I personal experience of how stigma in mental health can influence employment and life. I believe in the power of people. I hold a Master’s in Adult Community Education, Equality and Social Activism, and post graduate diploma in Adult and Community Education. I am member of the Aontas national adult learning organisation.