The last word

As election day arrives, Clare candidates take the opportunity to have the last word

Brassil, Patrick (Independent)
“I WILL try to give the youth meaningful work. I would try to get back to a situation where a large percentage of people under 40 would not be forced to leave this country in their droves. We have to invest in young people who are the future and the bloodline of this country.
I will strive to bring better equality into the agricultural sector, so that there can be a spin-off with extra employment in shops, restaurants, retail and other tertiary activities. People who are unemployed need to get back into employment, not just FÁS or Community Employment Schemes, which don’t always provide participants with new skills.
The people suffering most from the recession are single mothers and lone parents. Playgrounds and facilities for young children are not available. Inadequate housing schemes leave a lot to be desired.
Hospitals are also too fragmented; if you are to be hospitalised you will be sent to Limerick, where you will have to wait a number of hours for treatment.”

Breen, James (Independent)
“FINE Gael leader Enda Kenny has stated he may need Independents to form the next government, largely because of the infighting with Labour. As your Independent TD, I can bring a new, balanced and solutions-oriented voice to the national debate. I will use my experience in politics and the fact that I am not trying to gain favour or seek promotion within the broken political party system to support the solutions that work for Clare.  
I want to get Clare moving again by establishing Shannon Airport as an innovation centre in tandem with investment in research. I will encourage the next government to create a facility to work with the banks and finance companies to supply money to small business at a reasonable rate, to get the economy moving and take people off the dole. I want to secure the future for Clare families by investing in education and mortgage support schemes and to provide for Clare’s health needs by improving, maintaining and enhancing services at Ennis and other hospitals in the county.”

Breen, Pat (Fine Gael)
“HAVING served as a Dáil deputy since 2002, I have gained huge experience in local, national and European politics. I have served in many portfolios for Fine Gael, including transport, enterprise and foreign affairs. I was leader of the Irish delegation to the Council of Europe before taking up the position of chairman of the Dáil’s Overseas Aid Committee, which I was appointed to by Fine Gael, leader, Enda Kenny.
Over the years, I hope that I have earned the trust of the people of Clare for the hard work I have done on their behalf. As a committed public representative, I have been a strong, effective voice for this county. I have campaigned vigorously for Shannon Airport as a catalyst for economic revival; for Ennis hospital; for jobs and small businesses; for a fully funded education system; for farm families; for respite care for people with disabilities and for the marginalised. 
If, as the polls predict, Fine Gael will lead the next government, I will ensure that Clare’s problems are given the priority they deserve in every department.”

Carey, Joe (Fine Gael)
“I WAS elected for the first time in 2007 to Dáil Éireann. I was the only politician in Clare to take a voluntary pay cut in my salary.  We now need change in this county and country. The party I represent have the plans, policy, ideas and commitment to offer an alternative.
My own politics are grounded in using the experiences of the people I represent to determine how we ultimately act as politicians on their behalf.
I contributed to Fine Gael’s youth jobs creation policy Hope For a Lost Generation and our policy on personal debt. I am the Fine Gael assistant Chief Whip and the Fine Gael spokesperson on juvenile justice.  I am a member of Joint Oireachtas committees on Social and Family Affairs, Justice, Defence and Women’s rights.
I have worked hard with honesty and integrity on behalf of the people of Clare over the past three and a half years and hope that, with your help, that work can continue after Friday.”

Connolly, Jim (Independent)
“WHAT I have to bring to the table is my life experience as a self-starter and a do-it-yourself person. I have founded at least four national organisations in this country, all voluntary and all humanitarian. I have published books on humanitarian and quality-of-life issues.
I have addressed conferences and I have been invited to give addresses and lectures in universities and county councils in France, Scotland, England and America. I have also addressed the Massachusetts Senate.
I have zero tolerance of hypocrisy and nonsense and when I get into government or the Dáil, I will be bringing that zero tolerance with me.
As a self-employed person, I know how things have got tough for people and I intend to stay tough when it comes to dealing with these issues.”

Cronin, Ann (Independent)
“WE can overcome the tests ahead of us by incorporating the talent, visions and hopes that make this country beautiful, unique and exceptional. I know that people will vote with passion for change, not more of the same. Change is the word which opens our hearts and minds to other possibilities,
We must turn away from the mistakes of the past, never forgetting but learning that the solutions of the future do not lie in failed politics and politicians.
I will listen, I will bring passion, I will fight, I am no longer afraid. I’ve stepped out of the fear and anger, my heart is open, open to the possibility of different voices being heard in Ireland.
If I am elected, all earnings above €35,000 will be donated to Clare charities, all members of the community will be listened to during bi-monthly open-floor discussions and I will lobby for power in local government to begin to address the structural problems which previous governments did not see fit to change.”

Dooley, Timmy (Fianna Fáil)
“COUNTY Clare and its people are facing challenges not seen in a generation. Job creation, mortgage debt and access to credit are issues of the utmost priority and I am committed to playing my part in developing national policies to resolve these matters.
Born into a small farming family in the county, I am married with two children attending the local national school in Tulla. I am acutely aware of the challenges facing families and individuals throughout Clare and since my election in 2007, I have worked to the best of my ability on behalf of individuals and communities throughout the county.
My experience in the private sector prior to entering politics and my intimate knowledge of the issues facing the people of Clare has allowed me to make a positive contribution to the development of our county over the past three years. Shannon Airport and Ennis hospital services must be prioritised in a way that meets the needs of Clare people and I am committed to ensuring this happens in the next Dáil.”

Ferrigan, Sarah (Independent)
“I BELIEVE any TD has to have an understanding of pressures and troubles of the people in the constituency and I don’t think that is possible on the current salary for deputies. I believe the salary of deputies should be linked to average industrial wage.
I don’t believe any political party has all the answers and I believe whatever parties and candidates are elected following the General Election in whatever the structure is, they should work together to try to come up with solutions rather than tearing people down.
Ireland needs to get back to a state we can all be proud of. Open public debate is essential for the proper functioning of a democracy.”

Hillery, Dr John (Fianna Fáil)
“I AM dismayed at the distance that has grown between us, the people, and official Ireland. I was brought up to believe that if I put people first, I could not go far wrong. This has helped me greatly in my decision-making and dealings with others, both personally and professionally. Such an approach should be central to the political process.
I see a cynicism and disconnection of people from politics that is undermining the capacity of our nation to overcome our current economic and social difficulties. People are afraid. They are afraid of becoming seriously ill; afraid of losing their jobs; afraid of losing their children to emigration.
The Irish core value of community facilitated by a people-focused political system will restore our pride as a people and our strength as a nation. I am a proud Clareman and proud Irishman.
In the past, Clare has led by example when Ireland needed strong, courageous leadership. It can do so again. With your support, I want to be part of the process.”

Markham, Brian (Independent)
“As a 23-year-old, it is my firm belief that I am in the best position of all the candidates to serve the interests and requirements of the youth of Clare. However, should I become elected, I feel I will be well equipped to serve the older element of the electorate also.
The people of this county need a reprieve from the out-of-touch, hackneyed and ineffective politicians that have occupied the available seats in the past. I feel I am the antithesis to such politicians.
I aim to bring a fresh approach and to stand for the ordinary people of this great county. I am fully aware of the issues that are affecting people and their local communities and I am not bound to the restrictions of any party allegiance.
I am in a great position to do what is best for the people of Clare. It is time for us to move away from the old style of politics and to look to the future. This is a future which can include a prosperous County Clare and with the votes of the people of Clare, I will do my best to ensure this happens.”

Meaney, Brian (Green Party)
“I HUMBLY offer my energies, commitment and policies to the people of Clare for their consideration. I am committed to pushing forward with real and lasting change. I did not help found the Green Party in Clare to be an agent for the retention of an unfair and inefficient status quo but to effectively push ahead to improve government at all levels in this country and I have endeavoured to do this over the past seven years on Clare County Council.
The Green Party remains the only party with sustainability at its core. All our policies, including financial policies, are based on an approach geared towards the long-term future of our country rather than short term solutions which, when adopted in the past, have proved to be particularly painful and ultimately costly to our citizens.  My long-term approach to policy will benefit Clare’s economy by delivering sustainable energy and employment. In government, the Greens protected education and the provision of health services at the lowest effective level. 
People of Clare, my resolve to create a better future is unyielding.”

McAleer, Madeline (Independent)
“THE concerns raised in the debates over the last two weeks are Shannon Airport, tourism, Ennis hospital, employment and loss of income. People are demonstrating an understandable apathy and a palpable anger when they feel that nothing is going to change but could get worse.
People now clearly see that political decisions made over the past 15 years are having a devastating impact on the quality of their lives, with the loss of a family home or an inter-generational business or a substantial cut in income.  We do not have much hope that things will be any different under the current party political system.
The experience of the last two weeks has convinced me even more that radical political reform is needed. It is clear to me that canvassing, putting up posters, holding clinics and writing letters for constituents are neither the way to elect our national representatives nor how our national representatives should be using their time.  Politics must be about new solutions and actions and I will work hard for radical political reform.”

McCabe, JJ (Independent)
“PARTY politics have failed this country. We need a modern day nationalist party that is in tune with the 21st century. Our youth is our greatest national treasure, they are the people to run our country in the next decade. They must be educated by the State and need support to build a new Ireland.
Shannon Airport is vital to our economy. The DAA has muzzled it. Ryanair can revitalise Shannon and a deal can be brokered with them. I can do that with the skills that have made me a successful businessman. People are losing their homes – there should be some kind of moratorium put in place interest free for two to three years.
I am contesting this election for the Banner people. I have the skills after many years of brokering deals and that is what politics is all about, delivering the goods. I intend to reform Shannon Development and the IDA, develop deep-sea water facilities at Moneypoint, bring more multi-nationals into Shannon and Ennis and bring back the Clare Tourism Board, so we can exploit Clare’s huge potential.”

McNamara, Michael (Labour)
“CLARE needs a new voice to change the government and new ideas to promote jobs and growth. A new focus is needed to assist smaller local employers. New markets at home and abroad must be developed for the produce of Clare, both industrial and agricultural. Family farm incomes need protection to ensure our food security. Tourism must be restored and Clare needs to be put back on the map.
Labour in government is committed to growing Shannon, increasing passenger numbers and establishing the airport as an important cargo terminal. I will prioritise greater autonomy for Shannon, the development of an international humanitarian aid centre and the expansion of the cargo terminal.
The most important issue facing people in Clare is job creation. Labour will create a national €500m jobs fund and a strategic investment bank.  I also support a radical expansion of Community Expansion Schemes as a medium term solution to finish ghost estates, improve roads and water services.
We require a root and branch review of our health services, not just Ennis hospital but also to ensure the future of our community hospitals, ambulance services and community care.”

Mulcahy, Tony (Fine Gael)
“IF elected by the people of Clare, I will utilise my long-standing representation at local level, direct involvement with community and voluntary groups and organisations and strong business background in Clare over a 35-year period, to deliver real change for the people of the county.
County Clare and Ireland are at a crossroads now in terms of delivering key decisions and policies that will help get the local and national economy back on track.  By contesting this election, I am conscious of the huge economic and social concerns of the people of Clare and am committed to playing my part in helping to deliver a brighter future for all.
The job of a local TD should be to serve those who tasked him or her with representing them, as opposed to following an agenda and polices that neglect the concerns of the very people they are elected to represent.
I live and work in Clare, I love my county and I am committed to finally providing a strong and unflinching voice for the people of Clare to have their concerns and issues addressed at national level.”

Walshe, Gerry (Independent)
“FOR many years, I have vigorously campaigned to keep Ennis hospital open, campaigned against the NAMA bailout and Lisbon referendum and I am opposed to the current bailout of private bank debts.
If elected, I will bring honesty and accountability to the Dáil and will be a strong campaigner for the people of Clare and their needs. I will fight for Ennis emergency services and the Lynx Cargo hub with the development of Shannon Region and a rail link to the airport.
I will campaign for a loan scheme to assist farmers, the self-employed, small businesses and fishermen. I am a founder member of the anti-corruption organisation www.spirit-of-truth.org and have publicly spoken out against political and government corruption.
If given the honor of being elected to the Dáil, I will not abuse the salary or expenses and will be a watchdog for all the people of Clare. I urge you the people of Clare, if you want real change to help build a New Ireland.”