Sinn Féin seek ‘political power’ in Kinnegad

Sinn Féin are on the hunt for “political power” in Kinnegad and the rest of Westmeath, according to Deputy Sorca Clarke.

The local TD was speaking at her party’s campaign launch for the Kinnegad LEA in the Castle Varagh Hotel in Castlepollard on Sunday (January 7).

Sinn Féin have put forward an ambitious three candidates in the area, with more possibly to come, according to Deputy Clarke.

“We may put out additional candidates as we go along, but these are the three going so far, “she said.

“There is a definite buzz between the three, they complement each other well and they are determined, like me, to see Sinn Féin back in the county council again.”

The last Sinn Féin councillor to be elected in the Kinnegad LEA was Una Darcy, in 2014. The party have had no representation in the council chamber since 2019.

“Our main goal now is to get a councillor back in that chamber,” said Deputy Clarke.

“We are a political party and we are looking for political power, we want to see Sinn Féin represented in all of the Westmeath LEAs as we come out of this year’s local elections. We also want to see more women in the chamber and to see strong republican voices that put their communities front and centre.”

Deputy Clarke added that she is looking forward to the election season, which she described as the “grand national for people who are passionate about politics”.

David Jones

The first candidate to address the room was 30-year-old David Jones, who said he was motivated to run by his love his community. “From a young age I have always been involved in my community and my passion has only grown stronger and stronger,” he said.

“My involvement in community development and fundraising efforts has been a consistent trait throughout my life. Through volunteer work in various committees, I understand what is needed in my community on a local level.”

Mr Jones said there is room for three Sinn Féin councillors in Kinnegad come next June’s election. “By electing three councillors in the area, we will have the capability to ensure that the needs and concerns of our constituents are dealt with properly throughout the LEA,” he said.

Frances Monahan

Fellow candidate Frances Monahan said she is on a mission towards change. “It’s time for a new government, a government who have energy and pace and puts ordinary people at the heart of everything,” she said. “Families and workers right across our society share a vision of the future, a vision that includes Sinn Féin politics.

“I see it as my duty to represent you, your family and the community and do the best job I can to represent all aspects of the community.

“We owe it to our community to make progress happen,” she said. “We commit to build opportunities for everyone in the community and we look forward to building a future we can all be proud of.

“A future based on progress and prosperity – we will build that future together, for all of us that call Ireland home.”

Ms Monahan added one of her proudest achievements to date was bringing the Santa Truck to Kinnegad over Christmas, which 4,000 people attended.

Maureen Piggot

“The final candidate to speak was Maureen Piggot, who said: “The 2024 local elections are important for me because I feel like my generation has been locked out of housing.

“We didn’t create the housing crisis, but it’s here for us anyway. It’s almost impossible for people of my generation to obtain a mortgage.”

Ms Piggot, who was diagnosed with neuromuscular issues from birth, said those the current government have ignored the needs of disabled people. “For people with disabilities, we have now become the ‘forgotten Irish’,” she said.

“We are living on the poverty line and if you dare to get married or step outside of your box, you will come across cuts you didn’t realise were there.”

The 2024 local elections are expected to take place in June alongside the European Parliament election.