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My motivation to run for office as a Fianna Fáil candidate

I became acutely aware of the issues faced by Ireland at the young age of 10 when I started boarding school in England. It was not long after the IRA blew up the Conservative Government in Brighton and, whilst at the time I didn't know who the IRA were, I soon found out in no uncertain terms! As I grew up I developed a keen interest in Irish politics and so I was delighted when members of the Goleen Fianna Fáil Cumann asked me to stand as a candidate in the local election.

Recognising that in the Bantry Electoral Area there was a need for better representation of young people I gladly accepted the invitation. We all had to fight hard for the privilege of freedom of representation - a freedom that is denied to so many people around the world. For me to turn down the opportunity to be put forward as a candidate would have been dismissive of the sacrifices made by those who went before us.

I feel that over the years Fianna Fáil has always endeavoured to look after people. It is not just some old cliché that it is called the "people's party" - for years Fianna Fáil has improved the lots of people young and old, in good and bad health, across the country. This is just one of the reasons why I would be proud to represent the party in West Cork.

I want to represent all the people in our area, without exception, including the many new faces within our communities. I am also keen to reach out to the young people who are the lifeline of our community but have become disenfranchised because of local politicians being reactive instead of proactive. Now is the time for action - to fill the void we find ourselves facing, and to bring about change as a community.

I hope you will find time to follow my campaign on this blog, to ask questions and leave comments. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and engaging in a lively conversation over the coming weeks - and I hope I can earn your support come June.

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Meet James Carroll

My name is James Carroll and I am a first-time candidate for Drogheda Borough Council and Louth County Council. I wanted to use my first blog post as an opportunity to introduce myself to you. If you support me, you will get a hard-working and determined representative with roots in the community.

I am the only son of former nurse Judy Bell and mechanic Jim Carroll. I have two sisters Briege and Fiona. After attending Harestown NS in Monasterboice and St Oliver's Community College, I graduated with a law degree from UCD. While in UCD, I was President of UCD Students' Union (2005/06) and Chairman of the Kevin Barry Cumann (2006/07). I am currently Parliamentary Assistant to Monaghan TD Margaret Conlon.

Beyond politics, I enjoy playing gaelic with Naomh Mairtin GFC. I am also a member of Seapoint Pitch and Putt Club in Termonfechin and was part of the Irish team that won against Holland in October 2008.

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Introducing Michael Kingston

My name is Michael Kingston and I'm standing as a Fianna Fail candidate for Cork County Council. In my first blog post, I wanted to introduce myself and give you a bit of a sense of where I come from.

I was born in Cork and attended boarding school in England before studying International History and Politics at University College Dublin. After university I studied law at BPP College in London, graduating in 1999. I went on to work for Clyde & Co Solicitors in London, an International Shipping Practice where I specialised in litigation in International Trade and Marine Law. In 2003 I also spent some time working on secondment for French shipping company CMA CGM in Marseille, France.

I'm a member of Skibbereen Historical Society and while I was living in London I was actively involved in the Irish Foundation of Great Britain. I was particularly involved in their ‘Forgotten Irish Campaign' that looks after elderly Irish emigrants in London, many of whom are from West Cork. I've also provided free legal advice through Citizen Advice Bureaus to people who couldn't afford legal representation.

Through experience I have insight into a range of issues that matter to our different communities.

I understand the issues facing tourism in West Cork and have followed the industry's evolution, having worked in my Aunt's pub (Norma's) in Goleen for as long as I can remember.

I was brought up helping my Uncle on his farm in Goleen and I am now a Teagasc qualified farmer, meaning I have a hands-on understanding of agricultural issues. I also have a background in marine issues. My father worked in the oil tanker business and I inherited as a young boy my father's 26' 'Hegarty' lobstering boat, which I used during my college years to assist with college fees. Through this involvement I am very aware of the problems faced by the fishing industry. Using my background as a basis for understanding local people's concerns, I hope to be able to bring about the change we need to protect jobs and build strong industries.

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David McGuinness - a local voice for the community

Being born and raised in the Mulhuddart community has given me a strong sense of attachment to this area and its people. That sense of pride and commitment makes running for election feel like a natural progression.

When I was growing up, our local lollipop lady became our councillor and I remember the integral role she played in our community. I saw first hand how Fianna Fáil representatives worked hard to make sure my family, friends and neighbours lived in a safe, prosperous neighbourhood. I also recall the affection and respect people felt towards our councillor, Margaret Richardson, in gratitude for her efforts. I would feel privileged to be elected by the people of Mulhuddart and would endeavour to emulate her excellent example.

After being educated in the local schools of St. Patrick's and Riversdale Community College, I was fortunate enough to go on to university when so many people I knew did not get that chance. I realise the value of a good education and the opportunities it can provide. This is why I am such a strong advocate for education. I am now a teacher at Riversdale Community College where my regular contact with local families has given me a good understanding of local people's concerns.

Being secretary of my local residents association in Sheephill, Corduff, and treasurer of the Corduff Sports Centre also helps me stay in touch with the local community.

As a teacher, I see first hand the passion and enthusiasm of my students towards issues that affect them. Ogra Fianna Fáil was very important to me during my university years as a way to engage with politics and I believe that Ogra is something we need to exploit more to reach out to young people. As one of the youngest Fianna Fáil candidates I believe it is crucial for our party to cater for young people. The fact that Fianna Fáil aims to represent everyone is just one reason why I am so proud to run for them.

I would love to hear about the local issues that are most important to you. You can get in touch with me in a number of ways. You can call me on 085 2827215, email me at dmcguinn@tcd.ie or write to me at 40 Sheephill Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. You can also check out my profile page and visit me on Facebook or Bebo. 

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Launching our blog

Welcome to our new blog.

The blog is going to be a great resource for party supporters to hear some of the latest news and views from around the country and at all levels of the party. We're hoping to have a few suprises up our sleeve, so check back regularly (or better still, subscribe to our RSS feed). 

To kick off, we are delighted to introduce four of our local candidates who will be keeping you updated from the campaign trail in the weeks ahead as we approach June 4th. You might recognise James, Michael and Niamh from a short video we've had on the website for the last couple of weeks. They're young, keen and committed to Fianna Fail and their insights should prove a great read as June gets nearer. You'll be hearing from each of them over the next few days.

James Carroll

James, from Monasterboice, County Louth, will be running in elections for Louth County Council and Drogheda Borough Council. James has a strong background in politics having worked as a Parliamentary Assistant to Monaghan TD Margaret Conlon. In his blog he will be focusing on the local issues he is passionate about including job creation, tackling crime and improving community facilities.

Niamh Smyth

Originally from Bailieborough, Niamh is a first time candidate for Cavan County Council. Niamh is closely involved in the local arts scene as founder and curator at the Arts and Cultural Centre in Bailieborough. Previously an Arts Officer with the County Monaghan VEC, she is currently a member of the County Cavan VEC.

David McGuinness

David is a candidate for Fingal County Council in the Mulhuddart Electoral Area. Having lived in Blanchardstown for over 22 years David has a thorough understanding of local issues. He is currently a teacher at Riversdale Community College.

Michael Kingston

A qualified solicitor in the Republic of Ireland, England and Wales Michael has returned to the family home in West Cork to stand for election to Cork County Council. Throughout his campaign Michael will be blogging about the most important issues facing the area such as agriculture and fisheries.

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