Local Elections 2019 - Meet the candidates, Kinnegad LEA
Hazel Behan
Address: Sinn Féin Offices, Patrick Street, Mullingar
Party: Sinn Féin
Clubs/ Organisations: Active member of Irish Autism Mammies.
Special areas of interest: I have been an advocate for men and women who are survivors of rape and sexual abuse for many years on a national level.
Why are you running? Being selected to run in the up and coming local election campaign is something I am very grateful for and proud of. I am running because I want to bring changes to the communities of the New Kinnegad LEA. I want to see the policies of Sinn Féin implemented and I want to bring a voice to the people living in this constituency.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? There are many issues faced by local people living in this constituency. In particular, the lack of supports services available for families living with and caring for children and adults with additional needs is something I feel needs to be addressed immediately. Also, the bread and butter of a huge proportion of the constituents is in some way connected to agriculture and this needs to be nurtured and protected.
One thing people may not know about you: One thing people may not know about me is I have a huge love for music and when I was younger, I wanted to be a singer when I grew up. I still love to sing, although my aspirations have changed, I am still a sucker for a good sing-song!!!
Patrick Boyhan
Address: Collinstown.
Clubs Organisations: Mullingar Harriers AC, Loy Ploughing, Save Derravaragh Campaign, United Farmers Farm Rights Group.
Special Area of Interest: First Blue Flag for a midlands lake at Lough Lane.
Why are you running? I am a pro-life, anti-abortion candidate.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? Abortion: We are killing the most helpless human beings there are, babies in the womb. The decline of the small farm: We need to keep rural services going so we should all spend locally. We should have a Robin Hood approach, smaller and weaker farms should get higher payments. They are the heart of the countryside.
Shauna Coyne
Address: Cluain Craoibh, Kinnegad
Party: Fianna Fáil
Clubs/Organisations: I’m a member of Going for Growth an organisation which supports female entrepreneurs who are serious about growing their businesses. I’ve been involved with the Haemochromatosis Association of Ireland since it was established, and I’m actively involved with the Westmeath Rose Centre and the Rose of Tralee.
Special areas of interest: I really enjoy business and entrepreneurship – it’s an area that is constantly evolving. Learning new things and up-skilling is an important part of it and I thrive when challenged. Another area of interest to me is land law, I believe this is a very important issue with communities all over the country affected.
Why are you running? To be a strong voice and a progressive representative for my community. As a young business owner in the area, I’m acutely aware of the challenges facing our community and I would like to improve the infrastructure and increase the services available to us. Living in the area and being a long-term renter, I understand the high cost of rent, the concern of having no security and how difficult it is to get on the property ladder. I would like to help alleviate this problem by working towards more affordable housing, addressing the lack of supply and reducing the property tax.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? The extension of a quality broadband service to all rural homes and businesses. Being a business owner in the area, I understand first-hand the frustration of not having access to broadband and the difficulties it presents. Quality and accessible education: I want to see an extension to St Joseph’s Secondary School and a new secondary school in Kinnegad. Living in Kinnegad, I see the number of buses filled with local children commuting to over 11 different schools each morning. It’s difficult enough for adults to commute every day, children should not have to endure the same. There is a lack of infrastructure and amenities in our area. The re-opening of Killucan train station should be a priority.
One thing people may not know about you: I’m Westmeath Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2019.
Una D’Arcy
Address: Fore, Castlepollard
Party: Independent
Clubs and Organisations- Cllr Westmeath County Council, chairperson of Youth Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB), LWETB board member, Member Economic and Tourism SPC, Westmeath Heritage Forum, North Westmeath Creative Tourism, LGFA PRO for Westmeath, Board of Management Castlepollard Community College and Columba Community College, Killucan, Castlepollard Foróige, Ballycomoyle coach for 10 years, action groups in Collinstown and Delvin.
Areas of Interest ? Community-led development, building tourism economy, addressing the lack of public transport infrastructure; life-long needs in small rural communities. I am also committed to being part of the dramatic changes needed to improve the outcomes for our future in terms of halting environmental destruction.
Why are you running? Lilla Watson said – “If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
I struggle to make my life here; we as a community face so many challenges and sometimes it’s really hard. But I also count my blessings that I live in such a beautiful place and in a wonderful community. I am running because my life is immersed in my community. I am bound up with them. Every single day I am working on ways to protect our way of life, improve outcomes for people, secure their interests and advocate on their behalf. Their needs are my needs. I live here. I am stranded here when my car breaks (like this week).
My kids go to school here. If God spares me, I’ll grow old here. I am running because I am what we need here. I am a pathway into the council. I’m a bridge between groups and when they need me to be, I’m a massive bulldozer pushing through obstacles placed in their way.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? The issues on doors change as you move around the county- speeding cars and lorries tearing through our towns and villages are an issue on every door. Worry about the future is the second: it comes in many shapes the environment, cost, growing old in rural Ireland, opportunities for children; but there is a massive grá for having a plan of action for our rural areas that are about thriving communities. People are ready for change and community-led development. Frustration about broadband is still a big issue in north Westmeath and that’s such a failure as it was a key issue five years ago too. The cost of delivering broadband is nothing compared to the cost of not having it.
One thing people don’t know about you:
My favourite author is Terry Pratchett: “She was already learning that if you ignore the rules people will, half the time, quietly rewrite them so that they don’t apply to you.” — Equal Rites
Paddy Hill
Address: Clonsura, Castletown-Finea, Mullingar
Party: Fianna Fáil
Clubs/Organisations: Castletown/Finea/Coole/Whitehall GAA Club.
Special areas of interest: Sport, Politics, the development of rural communities across North Westmeath.
Why are you running? I want to continue to be the voice of the people in rural North Westmeath and work hard to see increased investment allocated and attracted to this area. I believe that North Westmeath has been neglected by the present Government in terms of regional funding and job creation. I will use my position and vast experience to lobby for an increased focus in North Westmeath.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? There are many issues affecting my electoral area. The most prevalent of these would be the rollout of rural broadband and increased crime levels which has caused massive concern amongst our older citizens and those living in isolation. There is a clear shortfall in Garda numbers policing our rural areas. Rural planning is also a major issue and something which I have consistently worked to have addressed by the Council. It is imperative that young people are allowed to build and live in the area where they grew up.
One thing people may not know about you: During the height of my football playing days I won four league titles with Finea footballers but we were unfortunately beaten in two county finals so never managed to add championship honours to our league success. I lined out mostly in the half back line during this time.
Denis Leonard
Address: Trim Road, Kinnegad
Party: Labour
Clubs/Organisations: Kinnegad Action Group, Community Council, Coralstown Kinnegad GAA, Killucan Station Transport Lobby Group, Bord na Mona, Afri, local environment groups.
Special areas of interest: Rural regeneration, education, transport, environment, heritage, housing, equality, sustainable planning, facilities for youth, elderly and those with disabilities.
Why are you running? I am a local person who wants proper local services and a sustainable community to live in. I want the people of my area to have access to appropriate public services and rather than spending up to four hours a day commuting for employment, education, amenities, retail , have it available in the communities we live in. Local employment, high speed broadband, Garda stations, post offices, community facilities, housing options, schools and libraries, and proper public transport will make our local rural areas sustainable, this is my top priority.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? Access to proper local services like transport, broadband, community facilities, housing, and employment opportunities.
Rural crime and safety in the home.
One thing people may not know about you: I played senior football for my club in Croke Park.
Becky Loftus Dore
Address: Higginstown, Killucan
Party: Fine Gael
Clubs/Organisations: Killucan Rathwire Tidy Towns, Killucan/Rathwire Junior Tidy Towns, St Joseph’s National School Parents Association, Raharney Camogie Club, chairperson of Killucan/Rathwire Community Action Plan.
Special areas of interest: I am very interested in education and environment and interlinking them both. Ensuring the ‘Squeezed Middle’ family is not forgotten and that the government at both local and national level are constantly reminded not to forget those that are working hard for their families but still struggling. I think when you can relate to situations your focus and drive is stronger.
Why are you running? I have always been involved with my community, I enjoy volunteering, making a change and helping people. Running in the Local Elections has been on my agenda for a long time, I just needed to find the right time. I have total belief that you can make things happen and create change at ground level. For me this was a natural progression – time to put myself forward to take a seat at the table!
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? Unfortunately I hear a lot of issues regarding housing – the family that has at least one income, is renting and finding it hard to become eligible for a mortgage, rents rising, and not meeting the criteria for housing assistance – the squeezed middle – a situation my family found ourselves in, until we got a break. Another big issues is transport – traffic calming measures that are required or the need for transport to assist the communities to access basic facilities like chemists or banks.
One thing people may not know about you: I was a surrogate mother for my friends while canvassing for this local election.
Cllr Frank
McDermott
Address: Ben Breeze House, Fore, Castlepollard
Party: Fine Gael
Clubs/Organisations: Supporter of Lough Lene Gaels hurling, supporter of Castletown/Finea/Coole/Whitehall football, member of Collinstown Men`s Shed Group, the new playground committee Collinstown, the Board of Management of Castlepollard Community College, board member of Mullingar Arts Centre, member of Westmeath Joint Policing Committee.
Special areas of Interest: History of Fore. The Valley of Fore, a wonderful place to live and rear a family. My parents and grandparents lived here and went to school in Fore. Like my father before me, I have worked tirelessly, to grow the tourist potential of our area, with considerable success. The Nancy to Nellie Loop Walk, is a shining example, now attracting huge numbers of walkers.
Why are you running? After 52 years, you could say why bother, but I like people. I like helping. I don`t always succeed, but rarely fail.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? When I started canvassing 5 weeks ago, the two biggest issues were Brexit and broadband. This week broadband, assisting people with special needs, Brexit, Dementia/Alzheimer`s and our aging population are the prime issues.
Broadband: Many families are disappointed with lack of progress with this means of connectivity. Countless government announcements and still no progress. I am very surprised by the number of people who could work from home, if they had this service. We can only hope that the government realise the importance of this issue, sooner rather than later.
Special Needs: Inadequate support, resources and facilities for families, caring for their loved ones with special needs.
Brexit: There is still grave concern, in the entire community especially the possible effects on farming and on our indigenous industries. We are blessed in North Westmeath , to have many small, successful companies and industries, trading worldwide.
Dementia/ Alzheimer`s: As our population is living longer, both of these conditions are a source of concern within the community.
One thing people may not know about you: For most of my working life I was a dairy farmer and pig producer. Now retired from that activity, I am a full time politician.
Lorraine Scally
Address: Coole, Westmeath
Party: Labour Party
Clubs/Organisations: Coole Tidy Towns, Coole CE Scheme, Coole Branch Family Carers Ireland, Inny FC Underage and Academy, Ringtown Camogie Club, Westmeath Community Games, Coole Whitehall Community Games, Multyfarnham LGFA, Mullingar Pieta House Darkness Into Light.
Special areas of interest: I am interested in community. I appreciate the importance and power of community involvement and action. I understand the need to better support our rural towns and villages. I was born, bred, reared and, still live in rural Westmeath.
Why are you running? There are many issues that I am already aware of as I live in the constituency I am running in. I grew up in rural north Westmeath surrounded by these issues.
It is time for change. I am strong and capable. I am hard working and dedicated. I am already on the ground, I am already active, I am already involved and, I am ready to become more involved!
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? Issues include local employment, insurance, housing, local amenities, lightning and, roads. Acceptable rural transport for young workers who cannot afford the insurance and expense of a car, for the elderly and, for the members of our community with a disability for whom what little transport already exists does not meet their needs. Acceptable rural broadband to promote investment, the growth of small businesses in our rural communities and, the return of young working families to our rural towns and villages.
One thing people may not know about you: I do not avoid hard work or difficult situations, I challenge them! I am the founding principal of Gaelscoil an Choillín which opened in 2006 and I am the founding staff member (alongside the Principal) of Mullingar Educate Together which opened in 2004.
John Shaw
Address: Riverdale, Raharney
Party: Fianna Fail
Clubs/Organisations: My GAA clubs are Raharney and Killucan but I would assist many other sports clubs with development projects, grant applications . Outside of sports clubs I’m involved in Community Alert, Tidy Towns, community development groups .
Special areas of interest: I think as a county councillor you need to have a broad knowledge in many areas such as grant applications, social welfare, housing, planning . I really enjoy working with community groups to assist with the development of community facilities which have a benefit to everyone such as walkways, community centres, playgrounds.
Why are you running? Overall I enjoy the job associated with being a county councillor. Whilst it is very frustrating at times and many issues can’t be solved there are many times when I can assist communities or people with private issues and this is rewarding.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? I don’t think there are 1 or 2 issues that are any bigger than the others. Different issues are higher on some people’s agenda than others. The quality of broadband in rural areas is a big issue and one which comes up regularly. The survival of rural areas will depend on a quality broadband infrastructure which successive governments have failed to deliver.
In terms of the county council the main issue is again to do with the rural area in terms of having better policies in place for the development of rural enterprises and for people who are from rural Ireland to be able to stay there and build a family home if this is what they want. The 2040 development plan for Ireland is too centred on the development of Dublin to the detriment of rural counties like Westmeath. If elected I will campaign to broaden the policies for the benefit of the development of County Westmeath.
One thing people may not know about you: Not answered.
Emily Wallace
Address: Gaybrook, Milltownpass
Party: Fine Gael
Clubs/Organisations: Currently: chairperson of Westmeath Community Games, secretary and founding member of Milltownpass Ladies football Club. Member of numerous local community action groups, and fundraising GAA committee, director of Westmeath Community Development, chairperson of the Planning and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee, member of Joint Policing Committee, board of management member of Columba College Killucan, Deputy Mayor Mullingar Municipal District.
Former: Secretary and player with Westmeath camogie and player with Crookedwood Camogie Club, secretary of Brosna Art Group.
Special areas of interest: Regeneration of rural towns and villages within Westmeath, developing facilities for our younger and older members living in these areas. Targeting funding to provide much need facilities within the county. The development of Kinnegad and Rochfortbridge as employment centres , with the development of industrial sites. Enhanced Garda presence in our rural communities.
Why are you running? Since being co-opted to replace Deputy Peter Burke TD three years ago, I have seen the massive difference a local councillor can have fighting for funding for towns and villages neglected in the past.
This was no more evident than the funding I secured for towns and villages like Kinnegad ( commuter car park, improvement to the streetscape and facade, funding for Library and Community Centre, getting the Kinnegad Killucan Road on the winter gritting schedule, getting the playground taken in charge, and the identification of an industrial site for the area) and Milltownpass (resurfacing of main village road and Bog Road, resurfacing of the footpath to the graveyard, town and village funding secured, funding for the community walkway and playground). Towns and villages like these have been neglected in the past and only through strong councillor representation can jobs be done.
What are the two biggest issues in your electoral area? I live five minutes from Rochfortbridge village. Rochfortbridge is now coming into the new electoral area of Kinnegad and none of our previously elected members are running in Rochfortbridge. This confusion has upset a lot of voters. I haven’t had the opportunity to represent this area previously despite living next door, but I look forward to the challenge ahead . Crime in rural areas and the fear that it brings to all members of our society.
One thing people may not know about you: I love watercolour painting and have exhibited with the Brosna Art Group.