Deputy Niamh Smyth, Fianna Fáil

Reared in Knockbride, Deputy Smyth has been living in Bailieborough for best part of her adult life. She lives with her daughter Juliet (8) and, thankfully, both parents - Des and Maura - are hail and hearty. Deputy Smyth enjoys spending time with Juliet and was teaching in Ballybay Community College up until her election as a TD in 2016.

What's the last film you enjoyed watching?

'Paddington in Peru'

Why did you enter politics?

As a grandniece of the late Paddy Smith, TD and Minister, politics is in my blood. I wanted to support and assist constituents right across Cavan and Monaghan through my offices and prompt service.

Where do you sit on the political spectrum?

I am a Republican seeking a unified Ireland through consent and dialogue and our party’s vision of a Shared Ireland is the way forward. The swing of the pendulum would place me in the middle ground but compassionate and empathy for constituents is what defines me.

Put these in order of importance?

1. Housing; 2. Health; 3. Roads; 4. Education; 5. Policing; 6. Job creation; 7. Defence.

* However, the cost-of-living crisis is a major priority on the canvass.

What is your main campaigning issue?

The lack of disability services for the most vulnerable in society. The delay in assessment of needs, the lack of Speech & Language and OT supports are a serious failure and this is simply storing up larger future problems.

What would you do about it in government?

I would insist on early intervention through the carrying out of assessments of needs promptly and by recruiting and training additional therapy professionals. To remove backlogs, I would allow clients to access assessments privately.

Can we afford more refugees?

Today’s migration has parallels with our own past emigration and has troubled all European countries. Fianna Fáil will establish a new Domestic Affairs department to cater for the increasing numbers and will process applications quickly but with dignity and integrity and those who do not qualify will be quickly returned.

Should Ireland sanction Israel and how?

I fully support Senator Frances Black’s Occupied Territories Bill.

What's the answer to the biodiversity/climate crises?

The answer lies in bringing people along the journey towards sustainability through education, reward grants and clear explanation of the policy. Reducing greenhouse emissions, increased retrofitting and becoming energy independent using wind power are realistic targets through investment and positive encouragement.

Do we need state-run childcare facilities?

The increase in state involvement is growing the sector but it is too early to abandon the role of private provision who play a key in childcare supply. An area of concern for me is the pay and conditions within childcare and our policy of 'Earn and Learn' model will ensure childcare staff will achieve qualifications while working.

One way to help revive towns and villages?

Using Bailieborough as a model the appointment of aTown Regeneration Officer has driven progress in our town and instilled pride and energy to re-grow our town. Such initiatives are is in keeping with our party’s manifesto.