Cavan Belturbet MD Candidate: Patricia Walsh (FF)

Married to Patsy for 52 years come August, the couple have five children, 11 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, she first stood for Cavan Town Council in 1985 when pipped for by just one vote.

Patricia was co-opted onto the Town Council in 1993, and elected the year after.

Patricia was first elected to Cavan County Council in 2004, but after two terms lost her seat in 2014. She ran again for Fianna Fáil in 2019 when she once again reclaimed a seat.

How do you unwind?

I love spending time with my family. They're very important to me.

I like to cook and bake. And I like to socialise on a Sunday night with friends.

Why should people vote for you?

Being a mother of five, grandmother to 11, and great grandmother as well, I know the struggles that families go through in everyday life.

I am passionate about the area I represent, and work hard as a councillor. My door is open 24/7. I hope I have made a difference to people's lives and I would like to continue to.

What will you do to address housing supply?

Ensuring that every resident in my electoral area has access to high quality housing is my utmost priority. This means providing opportunities both for purchasing and renting homes at prices within reach for families of all income levels.

No one should be priced out of securing a safe and comfortable place to live.

Has Ireland taken in enough refugees?

I am in favour of legal migration. Migrants make up 20 per cent of the workforce, which includes healthcare workers, nurses, hi-tech, building, childcare, and the agricultural sector.

However, what is happening at the present time is wrong. Illegal immigrants are being allowed into the country and the system is failing them and us.

Ireland is not short of compassion, but we are short of houses and services urgently needed for our own citizens.

What are your main campaigning issues?

To improve access to social housing for local communities, to tackle the growing cost of childcare, to improve and provide more local amenities for young people and young children.

I also see the need for building enterprise space to maintain and grow businesses in our towns, and that funding and supports are available to assist local business.

To improve health and well-being services locally, by ensuring it is provided when and where it is needed. Addiction is an issue that is affecting families and this urgently needs to be addressed.

Should the biodiversity/ climate crises be at the very top of the council agenda?

Climate change presents a significant challenge that requires coordinated action at all levels of government, including at local level.

I have collaborated with other local councillors to leverage resources and expertise in addressing climate change.

This includes participation in regional climate change planning, sharing best practice, and advocating for policy change to government.

Who in a political sphere has influenced you the most?

When I first got involved in politics former Tánaiste John P Wilson was my mentor, a man I have the highest regard for, a decent and honourable man.

He held numerous ministerial roles. He was a very good friend of mine.