Ambitious Fintan looking to create a piece of political history

A young man from Delvin is bidding to become the first person with Down syndrome to be elected to a senior position in a political party in Ireland.

Fintan Bray is currently on the campaign trail trying to get his fellow Fianna Fail members to vote for him to become a member of the party's National Executive, or 'Committee of 15', a bridge between the Oireachtas members and its grassroots.

Seats on the influential National Executive are much sought after and competition for them is fierce. Party members will vote at the Ard Fheis, which will be held at the end of September.

In a powerful speech to the Westmeath Fianna Fail Cumann's recent AGM, Fintan (28) outlined why he wants to be elected.

“I had to work very hard as a child, probably five to six times harder than anyone else, to walk, to talk, to read, to write. I was 12 before I could ride a bicycle, thanks to my brother for helping me.

“It was a battle for my parents to make sure I could go to our local national school where my brothers and sister went. The same applied to St Finian's and Cavan Institute.

“The big battle only started when I went looking for work. Thanks to places like the Annebrook, the Park Hotel and the Greville Arms who gave me work experience.

“Through Down Syndrome Ireland they put me in touch with Clonabreaney House. Clonabreaney House is a wedding venue between Kells and Oldcastle. I was excited when I went for an interview and got offered the job. That was four years ago (he celebrated his fifth anniversary on Sunday) and I am still working there today. I work in Meet and Greet and serve tea and coffee to the guests on arrival.

“This is why I want to get on to this Committee of 15. I want my voice heard and the voice of the people I represent.

“I would like to see that people with a disability will not have to work as hard as me to get a proper education and meaningful jobs.”

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Fintan, who is already a member of a number of bodies including the National Council of Down Syndrome Ireland and Fianna Fail's disability forum, said that he first became interested in politics through listening to his father Eamon, a long-time member of Fianna Fail and former of chairman of Down Syndrome Ireland, and oldest brother Kenneth, a former chair of Westmeath IFA, talk about politics “all the time” at home in Delvin.

He says that he wants to be a role model for young children with disabilities and that he wouldn't have achieved as much as he has without the love and support from his family.

“A lot of people have said that I am a role model and that makes me feel very emotional...My family are my life. Without them I wouldn't be where I am now...They don't care that I was born with Down syndrome, they don't care that I was born with a disability. They are just proud to call me their son.”

Minister of State Robert Troy says that attendees at the local cumann's AGM were moved by Fintan's speech.

"He spoke passionately about the many challenges he has overcome in life and how with right supports people with varying levels of disabilities can make huge contributions - he wants to ensure he has a voice at a national level

"It was inspiring and uplifting. I know he would be a great addition on our National Executive," he said.