Social Democrats appealing to all ages to get involved
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The local branch committee of the Social Democrats, Anthony Keane, secretary, Karl Picard, (party member), Kevin Connaughton, vice-chair, and Fiona Lynam, chair. Karl PicardImage 2 of 3
Branch and committee members at a meeting in Dún na Sí in Moate.Image 3 of 3
Fiona Lynam, Social Democrats, Longford Westmeath, with the party’s co-leaders, Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy.By Sarah Slevin
The Social Democrats branch in the Westmeath Longford area are appealing to all ages to get involved with the party.
The party was set up five years ago so is relatively new on the political scene, but chair of the branch, Fiona Lynam, has said that all age groups are gravitating toward them.
“We have people joining the party in their 60s and 70s, and we have young people doing their Leaving Cert, so it’s a great spread,” Fiona said.
“There are quite a few younger people who are drawn to the party, but the reasons are the same regardless of demographic,” she added.
“Some people are tired of the same old, same old,” Fiona said.
She has been quite impressed with the younger people who have been getting involved and has said they know what they want.
“They’re idealistic, they’re driven and very knowledgeable. They really know what they’re looking for and have a high expectation of what they want their politicians to do,” Fiona said.
“I love seeing the younger crew getting involved, I love hearing their ideas. It’s so important for our future that we listen and that those people are given voices,” she said.
Recently, the branch launched a survey to collect views and opinions of people in the area in terms of what is important to them in relation to local politics.
“The last year and a half has been difficult in trying to engage with people, because we can’t have stalls, canvass or meet. So, we wanted to engage with the general public and let them know that we have a branch here and get a feel for what people are looking for,” Fiona said.
The next local elections are not until 2024, but Fiona hopes that there will be more candidates from the Social Democrats in the area.
“It would be wonderful if we could run candidates in more areas within the constituency and we would be like to attract people who are thinking of running so we can start working with them as soon as possible,” Fiona said.
The chair of the branch has expressed that although it is a new party, there is ample opportunity for people to come in and make an impact on local politics.
“When I was looking for something, I saw the Social Democrats and thought it was interesting and when I looked up the policies, I agreed with them.
“So I would encourage people to research the party and the policies that we stand by, and to look at the deputies in the Dáil and what they’re doing to better society,” Fiona said.