Candidates battle it out in Cavan Monaghan as fifth seat up for grabs!
There are 13 candidates in the race for five seats in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan, here we bring you a short profile of each...
MATT CARTHY SINN FÉIN
Single biggest campaign issue: Giving workers and families a break!
Workers and families deserve a break. They have been neglected by successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments. Sinn Féin will deliver cuts to childcare costs, we will end the insurance rip-off, return the pension age to 65 and remove the first €30,000 from the USC net.
Sinn Féin will reduce rents and we will embark on the largest house building programme in the history of the state.
We will stand up for rural communities, unlike Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. We will protect family farms and ensure proper beef prices for farmers.
Pauline Tully and I will work together to support the workers and families of Cavan/Monaghan. We will be tireless in our pursuit of a better, fairer and united Ireland. It’s time for change. It’s time for Sinn Féin.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party): I am asking everyone who lives in County Cavan and North Meath to vote Pauline Tully number 1 so that we can deliver two Sinn Féin seats in this constituency and effect the type of change that our country so desperately needs. From other parties, I always like to see young people with progressive positions getting involved in politics so, if I was forced to indicate support for non-Sinn Féin candidates, I would lean towards people like Emmett Smith and Tate Donnelly.
TATE DONNELLY, GREEN PARTY
Single biggest campaign issue: We have crises in housing and homelessness and it needs to be seen as a national emergency. It is unacceptable that there are over 10,000 people homeless in the country at the minute, including 4,000 children.
We need a National Housing Plan to build public housing on public land, directly procured by local authorities. This would mean a massive increase in the public housing stock, as well as a cost-rental model that delivers affordable public housing to rent.
There are also almost 200,000 vacant housing units in the country, which shows that we are able to solve the crisis, but that there isn’t the political will. We have to get all derelict and vacant sites back into use with the right supports, accompanied by a vacant site levy.
This will help to revitalise our communities, as well as helping to solve the housing issue. We should retrofit every social house in the country, as well as introducing minimum BER [Building Energy Rating] standards for rental property.
This will not only create 20,000 jobs, but also ensure that everybody can have a warm, affordable, and safe home to live in.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party):That would be between Liam van der Spek and Matt Carthy, I’d probably have to go with Liam. He’s a very nice person who is interested in working collaboratively to achieve our common goals, and he’s also young and honest, so he deserves his chance to make a difference.
JOSEPH DUFFY (INDEPENDENT)
Independent candidate Joseph Duffy is a farmer from Stranooden, Co Monaghan.
He previously ran for General Election without success in 1989, 1997, 2011, and the local elections in Ballybay-Clones Municipal District area in 2014.
Single biggest campaign issue: Top of Joseph's list of campaign issues is the Referendum result, which saw a repeal of the Eighth Amendment. “I'm dead against abortion.”
He is also strongly of the belief that there should be “zero tolerance” and minimum sentences for crimes such as domestic violence, rape and murder.
“It shouldn't happen. Some of the men treat women like dirt. The women of the world are the flowers of humanity.”
To that extent also he is in favour of modesty, and takes aim at top fashion designers who he feels produce clothing which, in his belief, is “degrading” to women.
“I get up in the morning, the radio goes on. I know everything that's going. You wouldn't cod me like! It's about trying to help people. We're all in the one boat, the one world. We can either pull together or perish together.”
Candidate you admire (not from your own party): We didn't get an opportunity to put this question to Joseph but given his anti-abortion stance, we expect perhaps his reply would have been Sarah O'Reilly.
ROBBIE GALLAGHER FIANNA FAIL
Single biggest campaign issue:
I have a solid record of hard work over 20 years. I have used my experience in Seanad Éireann to raise local issues at every opportunity. I believe that I have a proven track record for delivering for my constituents as a councillor and as a senator and I am ambitious for this constituency. I will represent people to the best of my ability and work for a fairer country with better access to services for all our people.
There are many issues to be tackled but I think health must be prioritised by tackling waiting lists initially through the NTPF [National Treatment Purchase Fund], actually talking to and working with GPs to fix the health system at community level, ensuring home help hours and respite services are provided to those who need them.
This election is an opportunity for change and a chance to tackle record waiting lists, while maintaining a responsible budget and avoiding the waste of recent years. People want change in government and with Fianna Fáil potentially leading the next government I want to ensure that all of Cavan Monaghan will to have representation at the highest level.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party): I think the candidate running for the Greens, Tate Donnelly, is young and courageous to take on a campaign which is so short under the circumstances and I think the Greens could work well with Fianna Fáil in the future.
HEATHER HUMPHREYS FINE GAEL
Single biggest campaign issue:
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs:Jobs are the fuel that drives our economy.
Ireland has come a long way – we are at full employment, we have the fastest growing economy in Europe and the books have been balanced with our national budget in surplus. There is a real danger that Brexit could change all of that. If we get a bad Free Trade Agreement this year, jobs will be lost and our economy will falter.
Without a strong economy, we will not be able to address all of the other challenges facing our country today because the money will simply not be there to do it. That is why it is absolutely crucial for Ireland that we have a strong, experienced representative like Simon Coveney acting on Ireland’s behalf on Brexit.
As Minister for Business, I have prioritised investment and job creation in Cavan-Monaghan. IDA now have a strong focus on Cavan, site visits to the County have trebled and we are already seeing the benefits with positive jobs announcements such as 120 at Liberty Insurance and 20 new jobs at Public Relay, a US company, who are locating at the superb new Cavan Digital Hub, a project I was proud to support. I have also introduced a new €28m Economic Stimulus Fund for the Border Region to support local businesses and drive our local economy in Cavan-Monaghan forward.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party): TP O’Reilly or Sandra McIntyre – I couldn’t possibly choose one! Two excellent candidates who would bring a lot to Dáil Éireann.
SANDRA MCINTYRE FINE GAEL
Single biggest campaign issue: Service users attending Drumlin House in Cootehill, Co Cavan, have to pay a daily charge of €4 for transport, which is provided by Local Link. That’s a total charge of €960 per annum for a person with a disability. The travel pass is not accepted on these private services. If they can’t afford it, they will be left at home. Local Link is government funded and travel passes should be accepted. A number of affected families in Cavan and Monaghan have contacted me about these fees, which were implemented by the HSE from 1st April last year. Those in receipt of disability allowance, and who are solely reliant on the service, are being hard hit.
The majority of users receive fixed weekly allowances, where €4 a day represents a significant amount of money out of their weekly budget, especially for those attending a centre on multiple days. I am calling on the Minister Simon Harris to have the HSE retract this payment that is only effecting the five counties along the border that make up Community Health Care Organisation Area 1, or to arrange for service users to use their travel passes on these journeys.
There is a genuine fear now in families that their loved ones may not be able to avail of services simply because of the cost.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party): I put myself forward because I feel the area of west Cavan is lacking representation from the other candidates and TDs so therefore I am best placed to represent the people and I will be giving my number one vote to myself.
SARAH O'REILLY AONTÚ
Single biggest campaign issue: My constituents ask for decent roads, good communications, better transport links, properly resourced health/mental health and drug addiction services and affordable housing. I will shout loud and make these demands for Cavan and Monaghan people. As it is, I am fighting every day for their needs and I will continue to demand the services and infrastructure they deserve, Cavan and Monaghan people will do the rest. The constant failures of the current Government in effectively tackling the issues affecting Cavan, Monaghan and rural Ireland in general, will only be addressed by returning good opposition, capable of holding government to account - TDs who have the courage to stand solidly for what they believe in.
As a public representative, I have been left in no doubt as to the real concerns of the people that elected me. I have no vested interests; I listen to people and I am capable of making up my own mind on issues. I am not told by a party how to think or act. I work on behalf of the people who voted for me, they are my boss and that is how it should be.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party): I’ve thought a lot about this and if somebody had the courage of his/her convictions and put principles above fleeting popularity and political expediency, they would have my vote. I would gladly support anyone who could show me that they were truly different from the well-established parties. I’m waiting to be pleasantly surprised. For me, the only party that represents that real difference and that required change is Aontú. In the end, people really do like politicians with guts.
T.P. O'REILLY FINE GAEL
Single biggest campaign issue: Access to Services: Fine Gael intends to fully reform the HSE and bring power back to local communities through six new Regional Health Areas.
We have a plan to create jobs in key public services that includes nurses and doctors and greater access to GPs. In addition, extra resources will be put into other public services - eg gardaí, teachers, SNAs etc.
Reducing the cost of childcare for parents is essential for families. We need to ensure that a new funding model for the Early Learning and Care sector that will ensure continued quality and that this will remain as an attractive sector to work in. I feel that local communities need an injection of human and capital resources to ensure the continued life-line of towns and villages across Cavan.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party): Sarah O’Reilly – Why? I have worked with Sarah on the Mental Health Forum as part of our work with Cavan County Council. The high suicide rate in the county of Cavan has been at discussion point at Council meetings at 16.7% per 100,000 of population - well exceeding the national average at 8.2%.
Mental Health is an issue that affects every family in Ireland and it transcends politics and political party allegiance. Collaborative work across parties will strengthen every community and the Cavan/Monaghan constituency. Sarah and I have worked together effectively and efficiently to this end. From a Fine Gael perspective, we will continue to extend Youth Mental Health Services through Jigsaw, which is free to access.
BRENDAN SMITH FIANNA FAIL
Single biggest campaign issue: My focus as a TD has always been in representing diligently and with absolute commitment the best interests of all constituents.
I have vast experience as a TD, having served as Minister in Fianna Fáil governments. As chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, I have been to the forefront in advocating strongly the interests of Ireland in all Brexit negotiations.
Housing costs are crippling many families, we need affordable and more social housing now. It is not acceptable that so many people are being denied access to health services and home supports at appropriate times. Our older people need better supports. The State has to invest more in ensuring quality and affordable childcare, better education opportunities and tackle increasing crime levels. Farmers have been under increasing pressure and government has failed to provide the necessary supports. A National Food Ombudsman is needed to ensure that farmers get a fair return for their quality produce.
We need much greater share of national investment in Cavan/Monaghan to ensure job creation locally, better roads and greater broadband connectivity is essential. The next Government has to implement measures to protect our environment. There is an urgent need to reduce business costs for small and medium enterprises including insurance.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party): I seek your No. 1 Vote. I can assure the electorate of our re-united Cavan/Monaghan constituency, for which I worked tirelessly to achieve, that if re-elected I will continue my work with determination and experience representing families and communities.
EMMETT SMITH SOLIDARITY PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT
Single biggest campaign issue: I want to discuss mental health as it gets nowhere near enough real consideration in any election campaign. Mental health is unique as it is the one issue that is affected by all the others. Yes, the services have been cut and downgraded by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour, but throwing money at the services alone will not be enough to address the mental health crisis. To really tackle it we need to solve the housing crisis, lower the cost of living, strengthen our communities and ensure secure dignified employment for our people.
Past Governments have failed to address these issues, despite their claims to the contrary they have been made worse. They really don’t care about the mental health of the ordinary man, woman or child. They have created this unequal society where the most vulnerable people are being sent away from overcrowded hospitals without adequate treatment. Many of these people have gone on to take their own lives waiting for follow up care. We need to stop measuring our status solely on the economy and how well the rich are doing.
There is real mental suffering everywhere we turn, and it is largely down to the financial collapse and how it was handled by those in power. This is why we have a mental health crisis and why Cavan has the highest suicide rate in the country. To fix it we can’t just tinker around the edges. We need a radical change in how we do everything.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party): Unanswered.
NIAMH SMYTH FIANNA FÁIL
Single biggest campaign issue: It has been a privilege and honour to represent the people of Cavan and Monaghan in the 32nd Dáil. People’s needs, dignity and self-worth have been central in all my representations. My three offices in Bailieborough, Ballyjamesduff and Castleblayney reflect my investment in people and their issues. I have negotiated with Ministers in delivering the Anomaly Scan, the Holy Family School, Castleblayney Care Association etc. Issues that I object to and want reversed include the cruel disability transport charges despite free travel, the appalling lack of access to child services, the scarcity of social and affordable housing and the continued demise of rural Ireland. I have pursued funding and investment to tackle issues like inadequate broadband, poor road conditions, the crisis in farming and the rise in rural crime that have blighted country living. This week’s NSRA report ‘Startling levels of inequality’ when it comes to investment in Ulster and Connacht proves my point. From my canvass, the dominant issue is Health and Mental Health. It is pitiful and distressing to see the worry and despondence of people waiting on assessments and operations. The failure to access immediate medical care due to waiting lists is totally unacceptable. Sick and ill people simply deserve better. It is shocking that old people go without Home Care packages. Under a Fianna Fáil lead government I will insist on restoring a duty of care for the sick and aged.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party):Tate Donnelly would get my No. 1 because he is young, articulate and passionate about issues.
PAULINE TULLY, SINN FÉIN
Single biggest campaign issue: One of the most serious issues affecting our country is the housing crisis and spiralling homelessness. Cavan is no exception with approximately 1500 people on the housing list and with little prospect for most of being housed anytime soon. Under the outgoing government's Rebuilding Ireland programme only 335 housing units will become available by 2021. That is not enough to meet the demand and solve the problem and does not take into account the number who will join the housing list or be made homeless in the meantime. What is also frustrating for the large number of people on the housing list is the number of empty houses throughout the county. This is appalling and unacceptable and resources must be made available to make vacant properties habitable. A much faster turnaround is needed and I will be calling for more central government funding to deal with this issue if elected.
The only way to solve the housing crisis is a council-led house building programme on public land. Sinn Féin propose that 100,000 houses should be constructed over the next five years, which would include 60,000 social houses and 40,000 affordable rental and for purchase. We are also proposing a rent reduction and rent freeze for three years. I believe that the right to housing should be enshrined in the constitution.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party): Emmett Smith, People Before Profit. While I have only met Emmett a couple of times, I know his sisters Mariane and Ceire and I hold them in high regard. There is some commonality between the policies of PBP and Sinn Féin.
LIAM VAN DER SPEK LABOUR
Single biggest campaign issue: I grew up in Cavan and attended St Patrick’s College before graduating with a degree in Computer Science from UCD. I work as a software developer in Cavan Town. In 2019, I ran in the local election in Cavan-Belturbet. I’m running because we need representatives who fight for ordinary working people, those who go to work, pay taxes and expect quality public services in return. We must stop the waste of public money, build houses, fix health, and reshape childcare.
There are so many huge issues this election, but healthcare is one of the most important. We need better working conditions for doctors and nurses to end the crisis of recruitment and retention. We need to fill vacant posts in the HSE, and replace agency staff with more effective secure permanent staff. This is the best way to tackle completely unacceptable waiting lists in everything from disability to mental health services. People shouldn’t be left waiting years or be forced to go privately at considerable expense for such essential services. The current government lacks ambition. I have the drive and the values to do better for you. For public services we can rely on and be proud of, I kindly ask for your #1 vote.
Candidate you admire (not from your own party): We need youth, we need change. I want to see a progressive alternative in Irish politics even if it can’t always be Labour. I urge everyone to vote down the ballot, and transfer to other left/progressive candidates.