On Monday 12th January 2015 I announced my intention to seek the Fianna Fáil nomination for Kildare North in the next General Election. Speaking at a meeting of our local organisation in Sallins, I was grateful for overwhelming support from both the public and party members.
Kildare North needs jobs, houses, investment and infrastructure and solutions at local and national levels. Having three out of four government TDs has been no help and it’s time for a fresh, constructive and challenging look at politics for Kildare North and nationally. I would relish the opportunity to contribute to building a new politics in this country and building a better future for Kildare.
Ultimately the local party members will decide on which candidate they want to represent them in the near future. I look forward to the challenge ahead. Tús maith leath na hoibre!
As spokesperson for the Sallins & Naas train lobby group NASRUG, I meet regularly with Irish Rail to review performance of the commuter services and discuss any issues affecting the Kildare railway line. I most recently met with Irish rail on the Monday 1st December and discussed a range of issues as follows:
At the Kildare County Council meeting on 26th November a number of motions on water charges were debated. These included two tabled by FF, one from SF and one Independent. I proposed a Fianna Fáil led motion to “cease charging for water and instead concentrate on network investment, conservation and infrastructure upgrades” whilst also “condemning bonus culture in Irish Water and seeking a commitment that Irish Water could not be privatised”. The motion was proposed in the names of Cllrs Lawless, O’Loughlin, Ward, Miley and Ó Cearúil. A second motion in the names of Cllrs S Power, R Power, O’Rourke, Callaghan, Doyle and Fitzpatrick was also passed calling on the council to withhold payment of levies to Irish Water until they agreed to come before the council.