Matt Carthy, Sinn Fein

From Carrickmacross, Deputy Matt Carthy is married to Lynn and they have five children - Seán, Mairéad, Aoife, Niamh and Eimear.

It's a busy house along with their dog Rosie and adopted cat Lola.

Matt is a member of Carrick Emmets GAA club.

The last film you enjoyed watching? I haven’t had time to watch a movie in years.

Why did you enter politics?

To help deliver a United Ireland

Where do you sit on the political spectrum?

Irish Republican

What is your main campaigning issue?

Disability services in this region.

What would you do in government to address it?

By engaging with people with disabilities and their carers to identify the many deficiencies and then act on their needs.

Put these issues in order of importance?

All of these issues are important but right now, for me, I would say:

1. Defence (because I am spokesperson)

2. Housing

3. Health

4. Education

5. Roads

6. Policing

7. Job Creation.

Can we afford more refugees?

We need a migration system that works, where the rules are applied fairly, where those who are not entitled to be in Ireland are returned and where communities have a real say in what happens in their towns and villages. Sinn Féin has a comprehensive policy to implement in government, which will ensure we have a managed migration system that resolves the mess that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have made.

Should Ireland sanction Israel and how?

Yes, Israel is conducting a genocide and we are obliged to do all we can act to stop it. In government Sinn Féin will enact the Occupied Territories Bill and the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill and all other economic, trade and diplomatic measures available to show international leadership to help bring an end to the occupation and apartheid.

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

By targeting the worst polluters rather than ordinary workers, families, farmers and communities.

Do we need state-run childcare facilities?

Yes. But priority must be given to delivery of affordable children (€10 a day per child max) and ensure that those who work in childcare are paid better. Sinn Féin has the policy to do both.

One way to help revive towns and villages?

The Fine Gael decision to abolish Town Councils has been disastrous. Many of our towns and villages are plagued with dereliction and many people now feel unsafe walking down their main street. Sinn Féin would increase Garda numbers in our towns and pursue a policy programme that will revitalise the traditional commercial centres of our urban communities.