Aontú is delighted to announce that Séamus Connor will contest the upcoming General Election to represent the people of Wicklow.

Séamus Connor was born and bred in County Wicklow and is passionate about the people of Wicklow and our environment. Séamus is a secondary school teacher and has a particular interest in encouraging his students to engage in voluntary work.

Séamus has been motivated to get involved in politics and join Aontú because he identifies with Aontú's core values and believes in a society that takes care of ordinary citizens, the vulnerable and the marginalised.

Séamus stated:

"In addition to Aontú's positive outlook and vision, the sincerity and integrity of Peadar Tóibín, Aontú's leader, convinced me to join and campaign for Aontú.

"I am delighted to have been selected to stand for Aontú in my native Wicklow.

"In the past few months while campaigning for Aontú in Wexford, Belfast and Armagh, I have seen first hand how the problems we face in Wicklow are affecting the country as a whole. I am part of a strong national team of Aontú candidates that aims to make a real and positive difference to individuals, families, communities and small-medium businesses across the country.

"The government continues to fail when it comes to the mental health crisis in Wicklow. I want to help tackle root causes of mental health difficulties, including homelessness and stress suffered by people facing extortionate rental and mortgage charges in Wicklow. I have dedicated a lot of my time to protecting the environment, setting up Bray Coastcare in 2007. This is an initiative that I intend to further develop along the coast of our county.

"This upcoming election is an opportunity for people to demand the change that we need."

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.