Deputy Brendan Smith, Fianna Fail

A native of Templeport, Deputy Brendan Smith lives in Cavan Town and is married to Anne.

He is a member of Templeport GFC, Club Breifne, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and the Cavan Drama Society.

Last film you enjoyed watching?

Oppenheimer

Why did you get into politics?

My father was a county councillor so I grew up in a political household. I studied Economics and Politics and my first job was working with the late Tánaiste, John P. Wilson. Making this region a better place to live, to rear a family and do business has driven my political career as a TD and as a Minister.

Where do you sit on the political spectrum?

I am a Republican and a centrist.

What is your main campaigning issue?

I have a number of campaign issues including the need to address the cost of living pressures, housing, health and disability services, special education, childcare and adequate supports for farming. We need a continuous programme of more investment in our road network.

What would you do about it in government?

Costs must be reduced for households and businesses. More targeted government supports are needed.

Put these in order of prority:

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

Can we afford more refugees?

I welcome people who want to come and work here and contribute to Irish society. We know what it is like to leave your home or be forced out of your home to build a new life. We also know that integrating and contributing to your new community is key to building trust. In government it will be essential to implement the Fianna Fáil proposal to establish a new Department of Domestic Affairs to streamline and deal efficiently with all aspects of migration, asylum and work permits. The legitimate concerns of people must be listened to and it is necessary to have confidence in our asylum system.

Should Ireland sanction Israel?

The ongoing brutal attacks by Israel on Palestine are horrendous and absolutely deplorable. The international community must act with effective trade measures against Israel.

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

We all have a role to play. We have a responsibility to the next generation to deliver a planet that is not in crisis. Our farmers are playing their part and have consistently built on sustainable and safe food production systems.

Do we need state-run childcare facilities?

We need to build on the existing system of supporting private providers and community providers. Additional supports enabling a reduction in fees for parents and better pay for workers in the sector is extremely important.

One way to help revive towns and villages?

We have opportunities to expand on the recently introduced financial incentives in relation to restoring vacant and derelict buildings. Modern infrastructure in towns and villages including water, sewerage and broadband will attract much-needed housing, business and economic activity.