Deputy Pauline Tully, SF

From Kilnaleck, Deputy Tully has two sons - Pearse and Eoghan - and they share their home with two cats - Shadow and Molly.

She is a member of Crosserlough GFC and Dutchy’s Fitness.

The last film you enjoyed watching?

'Small Things Like These'

Why did you enter politics?

I first became politically aware during the Huger Strikes in 1981 and the H-Block/Armagh campaign that ensued to reestablish political status and prevent the death of the prisoners. I strongly believe in the need to end partition and subsequently joined Sinn Féin in 1997 and was first elected to Cavan County Council in 1999.

Where do you sit on the political spectrum?

Left of centre.

What is your main campaigning issue?

Disability and Carers

What would you do in government to address it?

Sinn Féin would review the Disability Act with a view to modernising and strengthening it, bringing it in line with the rights and protections incorporated within the UNCRPD.

While the international and domestic legislative framework are important – real delivery of rights requires investment in financial supports and services. Over a government term we would increase annual current funding by €829m and provide €659m of additional capital beyond what has been pre-committed for existing levels of service and under the NDP for disability services and supports. We have detailed measures to enable equal participation by people with disabilities in every aspect of life in our manifesto.

Put these in order of importance:

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

Can we afford more refugees?

We cannot afford to continue under-resourcing the communities that refugees are being placed in.

Should Ireland sanction Israel and how?

Yes. Ireland and the international community must impose sanctions on Israel for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the slaughter in Gaza.

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

We must take real action with measures such as targeting environmental taxes on excessive consumption through a pollution tax on private jets; reforming the PSO levy to one levied on total demand rather than peak demand, changing the flat-rate levy to a progressive charge, and resourcing the National Just Transition Fund. Regressive measures that prioritise eco-austerity over just transition produce growing resentment and fear amongst ordinary people and fail to leverage climate action.

Do we need state-run childcare facilities?

Yes. Delivering affordable childcare, and more of it, over the next five years is a key priority for Sinn Féin. Further action must be taken to ease the burden of fees for families, to increase the availability of childcare spaces and options and to ensure proper pay for thousands of early years professionals.

One way to help revive towns and villages?

Prioritise amendments to the Planning and Development Act to address issues of vacancy and dereliction and introduce a one stop shop to assist the development of over the shop and other commercial premises for residential use in cities, towns and villages.