Defective blocks have been a huge issue in Donegal and Charles Ward is the man thousands of affected homeowners hope will be their voice in Dáil Éireann.

The married father-of-four hailed from Arranmore Island but has spent many years in Scotland. He now lives in the village of Drumkeen in east Donegal.

He contested the local elections last June but was not successful. However, four of his colleagues were more successful and sit on Donegal County Council.

He is a member of the MICA Action Group and is a homeowner with defective blocks. He is a healthcare worker but will now be putting the woes of people with defective homes at the top of his agenda in Leinster House.