Cavan Belturbet MD Candidates: Tinko Tinev, Aontú

The Bulgarian national moved to Ireland with his family more than a decade ago, and has been actively involved in the Pro-Life Movement in Cavan for many years. A care home manager with interests in corporate brand management, he was a Director at Cavan County Local Development until last year and sits on the board of Cavan Credit Union.

How do you unwind?

I do photography and videography, it is my passion, taking drone footage of Cavan, that's what relaxes me.

Why should people vote for you?

I ask myself the same question because this is the first time I've gotten involved with politics. So I ask myself would I vote for myself?

People have been asking me to get involved in politics over the last four years, without me showing any particular interest, believing my experience can contribute. So I think more in response to a call at being asked. I see politics as a public service. I already do a lot of volunteering, so I think it is just like step above that.

What will you do to address housing supply?

It is very complicated. A few governments were not able to solve the matter. One of the things I see and I hear about from people involved in the construction industry is about regulation. So if we can make it easier for people to build, it should speed up everything.

Has Ireland taken in enough refugees?

I don't know what is enough. I hear there are companies looking for workers. I know the question is a very hot question at the moment, and there are very polarised views on the matter, but I think the reason the doors have been opened is that there is a certain need. It’s not random that they're coming here. On the other hand, there is a lot of perceived randomness going on, and that is scaring people, including me, because I have five children and you want to know who is coming in and lives near by. It’s important there would be some vetting of whoever comes in.

What is your main campaigning issues?

Honestly, and maybe it will sound funny to some people with everything else that's going on, but I can't get around that there are no shelters at bus stops. I'm a very practical person. I would rather look at issues that can be solved in a simple way, and then work with others to find solutions to bigger things.

I've never been in such a rainy country, and it doesn't seem to bother Irish people, and that's okay, but more bus shelters would be an easy win that would benefit everyone. Also, to plan the routes around bus shelters instead of putting a stop where there is nothing.

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

I think there is a lot of lobbying on this matter, and a lot of funding made available. From this point of view I believe that Cavan should take advantage and make use of any euro that's sent.

If it is put as a high priority there will be a lot of funding over the next few years. Very practical again, yes. Get the funding, do good things in Cavan, and make life better for everyone.

Who in a political sphere has influenced you the most?

I think two people.

I went to a meeting of Aontú four years ago and I was really shocked by how down to earth and common sense Peadar [Tobín] sounds. For someone to leave a big party and everything connected to that, to then start up their own political party, it’s kind of amazing.

On a local level, through my work in town, I have to say Brendan Smith always attended events that are organised, and always people say if they have a problem, he is there to give a hand or help. To me, politics is public service, so to me he is a good example of that.