LE Candidates Q&A: Ian McGauley (TIP)

Kinnegad LEA

1. Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Ian McGauley. I am married to Helen and I am a father of four children. I am currently living in Kinnegad.

2. Why did you get involved in politics?

I attended NUI Maynooth and studied community development and youth work. The government has gone rogue on its people. The local councillors and TDs are not listening to the people that voted them in and trusted them to look after them. We are now slaves to the EU. This angered me and led me to become involved in politics.

Due to the current housing shortage and prices, young people still live at home with their parents and are unable to move out and get on with their lives.

When I am elected, I want to start giving back to the young people who suffered through the Covid lockdown. I want to start this by running a programme of free driving lessons for young people aged 17-18 years.

3. What are the big issues?

The huge issue is forced immigration into the town and the egregious lack of communication between councillors and the community. The community feel trodden on and betrayed. The government simply pushed them aside and made decisions without consulting them. Other extremely serious issues are housing, childcare prices and education – no secondary school.

4. Who is your role model?

My mother is my role model and she is still with me. She has very conservative values with common sense.

5. What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are wild camping, outdoor activities, gardening, and walking.

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

Shhhh… not very many people know this, but I used to be a private investigator.