“Aontú Announces Derry & Strabane Candidates”

“Aontú Announces Derry & Strabane Candidates” – Cllr Doyle

Speaking today, the Ballyarnett Cllr said “I am very proud of the quality of candidates that Aontú has put forward for the upcoming local elections.

In recent years, Aontú has worked exceptionally hard across the North of Ireland to make a real difference in the lives of people in our community. The candidates announced have the experience and determination to work hard for the people of the Derry City & Strabane District Council area”

Cllr Doyle continued “All of our candidates are deeply immersed in their communities and are acutely aware of the problems facing them.
Contesting Foyleside, Seán Mac Cearáin is a former lecturer and has spent many years teaching on schemes aimed at the personal development of the city’s youth.
In Derg, Leza Houston is a working mother, studying law and is currently expecting her fifth child. She is a strong voice for families during this cost of living crisis.
Darryl Christy is a native of Derry, a local panel technician and a local sheep and horse farmer and is fighting for a seat in the Moor. He is passionate about housing and community facilities for our young people.
Darán MacMeanman, from Strabane, works in technology, served for many years with St. John Ambulance in Strabane and beyond - our voice in Sperrin and a dedicated human rights activist.

“Over my term in office, I have highlighted the impact of Stormont neglect on ratepayers in Ballyarnett and throughout this council area and how the duplication of services means that ratepayers here are paying over the odds for public services.
During my time as a councillor, I’ve provided free solid fuel for those experiencing fuel poverty and fought for tenants living in homes with damp and mould problems. It's my privilege to seek a renewed mandate in Ballyarnett.

“The Stormont parties have neglected the people of the Derry City and Strabane District. Aontú are proving a real opportunity for change.
I am confident that our team are the best candidates to serve the people of our District and I am asking voters to support them on election day” concluded Cllr Doyle.

ENDS

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.