Jimmy Stavros Mee, Independent

From Monaghan Town, Jimmy works in security and is a charity activist. He his also a former member of the Defence Forces. He previously ran for election to Dáil Eireann in 2016 on a platform of mental health but did not win a seat.

Why did you get into politics?

I entered politics because of the way Defence Forces were being treated in areas such as pay restoration and many of our colleagues cannot make ends meet. These families are struggling and, two years ago, Cathal Brugha Barracks had a campaign to get donations for toys for children. We were promised pay restoration when they took €180 off us when country crashed. Enda Kenny was then Taoiseach. He stood up and in a speech said we would be payed back every penny. It never happened.

The rest of public service workers got their pay restored because they could protest. I sat at the gates daily for five years to get us pay restoration with the WPDF (Wives and Partners of the Defence Forces) ladies.

Michael Martin and the Green Party promised us pay restoration but got into government and ñever kept their promise. So we have to fight on.

What is your main campaiging issue?

In addition to pay restoration for members of the Defence forces, cost of living and housing are important.

I will fight for all the people who have no home and will have bleak a Christmas. There is a collection online on Focus Ireland to support children who will have no home at Christmas. People cannot make ends meet and are struggling with their bills, this is putting a big strain on their marriages.

What would you do about it in government?

First thing should be to get children and families housed to give them back their compassion and respect - it's very important to have compassion in your life

I will continue to stand up for the less off in the community. Hopefully the voters will listen to me.

Can we afford more refugees?

We cannot afford any more refugees. We have lots of homeless people and children. Charity begins at home!

Should Ireland sanction Israel?

Ireland should sanction Israel with immediate effect. Also we, as nation, are partially responsible for 45 thousand deaths in Gazza by allowing our air space to be used.