LE Candidates Q&A: Ali Morris (Social Democrats)

Mullingar LEA

1. Tell us a little about yourself

I grew up in Mullingar, I moved home in 2020 after many years living in Dublin, Cork, London and Melbourne. I work in events, with St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, Another Love Story in Meath and this year I helped create the new Bailiú festival in Mullingar.

2. Why did you get involved in politics?

To effect change. I want to be a voice for the community and to help improve our town.

3. What are the big issues in your area?

Affordable housing – we need more and a variety of types of housing, not just four-bed family homes, accompanied by the appropriate infrastructure and amenities.

Vacancy and dereliction – it would be great to see some of the empty buildings re-purposed as arts spaces and to get people living above shops again to bring life back into the town. We need more public and green spaces. We only have one park and no town square to speak of any more. Columb Barracks would be ideal.

Obviously traffic is a major issue and we need some creative solutions to the problem.

4. Who is your role model?

Jennie Wyse Power, a pivotal member in the independence movement. She was an activist, business owner, community organiser, councillor and a senator in the first Seanad.

5. What are your hobbies?

I love music, I’m a DJ (sometimes!), cooking, lake-dipping, being in nature, crosswords and board games, aspiring gardener.

6. Tell us one thing about yourself that people will be surprised to read

I’m currently learning Arabic.