DUBLIN SOUTH:THE EIGHT candidates in the Dublin South byelection have made their final pitches to voters.
Fianna Fáil’s Shay Brennan said that he would open a constituency office, have regular clinics and be available as an advocate for the constituency. He said his priority would be to protect and create jobs by ensuring that there was a business-friendly environment to encourage entrepreneurs and make Dublin South a prime location for employers.
Fine Gael’s George Lee said that a key reason to elect him would be to call the Government to account. “We have lived in an era of irresponsibility in politics and banking and it is time for a change,” he added. “There is just one TD with economic training in the Dáil, Richard Bruton. There are many teachers. It is time to elect another economist.”
Labour’s Alex White said that he had a good track record in the constituency and people knew his work rate and had confidence in him. “I have considerable experience as a councillor and I have been articulate on issues as a member of the Seanad,” he added.
“I think that Dublin South voters are looking for somebody who can walk the walk as well as talk the talk.”
Green Party candidate Elizabeth Davidson said her election would strengthen the hand of her party in government. She added she would lobby for a school-building programme. “Some children are being taught in very uncomfortable conditions in prefabricated buildings,” she added.
Sinn Féin’s Shaun Tracey said there was a lot of anger in the constituency, with people worried about their jobs and their homes.
“Sinn Féin has put forward proposals to retain and create jobs. We want to see a drive to provide more houses and schools,” he said.
Independent Noel O’Gara said that he was the only candidate who was an experienced businessman. “I want to see the planning laws reformed, root and branch, to give people power to do what they want with their own homes,” he added.
Independent Frank O’Gorman said he would promote the adoption of the Dutch healthcare system whereby people unable to pay were funded by the State until their circumstances improved.
He would also seek to have the Seanad abolished.
Independent Ross O’Mullane said that he would ensure that every citizen in Dublin South had an opportunity to speak and vote on issues through a website. “We now have the technology to run our country efficiently,” he said.
