Sinn Féin selects Hazel Behan for Kinnegad area
A Dublin-born mother of three who has campaigned on mental health issues has been selected as Sinn Féin’s candidate for the Kinnegad area in this May’s local elections.
Hazel Behan was selected at a convention in Kinnegad at which the guest speaker was Sinn Féin’s health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly, TD.
She received the full endorsement of the activists present and in her acceptance speech she explained how her family moved from Dublin to Westmeath 16 years ago and in that time, she married her husband Martin and is raising a family of three.
“The decision my family made to relocate was something we never regretted and for all of my adult life I have considered the midlands, especially my hometown of Mullingar, a wonderful place to live where I have met great people and made wonderful friends,” said Hazel at the convention.
“As a young Republican woman, I have always believed in progressive, forward thinking politics and I am contesting May’s council elections as I believe I can make a difference to people’s lives.”
Hazel is described by Sinn Féin as “a committed campaigner on social issues”, with an interest in seeing additional supports for improved mental health and wellbeing services and an inclusive education system, particularly for children and young people with additional learning needs.
Hazel is also an advocate for people who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual abuse and has worked with families living with addiction.
If elected, Hazel will prioritise public transport infrastructure, tackle rural neglect, ensure greater resources for the farming community and facilitate enhanced community engagement with gardaí. “I believe increasing access to education and training is essential for people living in the Kinnegad LEA and our health service needs enhanced funding and supports to make it fit for purpose,” she said. “Measures must also be taken to tackle the housing crisis to ensure mortgage debt is manageable. We need to build more social and affordable housing so the people of Westmeath can own their own homes and live in vibrant, strong communities.”
SF general election candidate Sorca Clarke closed the convention and praised Hazel’s hard work as a party and community-based activist who, if elected, would provide a massive boost for the party in Westmeath.