LE Candidates Q&A: Laura O'Neill (Aontú)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m Laura O’Neill, the Aontú candidate in the Kinnegad LEA. I am passionate about youth development, animal welfare, mental health advocacy and the arts.

I have worked for Peadar Tóibín for almost three years now, and in my parish for almost 10.

2. Why did you get involved politics?

I was involved in my local community, running youth groups and summer camps for many years. Through my work with the young people and families here, I was inspired to help to do even more.

There is a real lack of services for young people, and this is particularly evident around the lack of resources for people living with mental health issues and neurodivergent people.

3. What are the big issues?

So many people are concerned about the speeds at which cars are travelling through our small towns and villages.

The lack of public transport in rural areas is also a huge issue. The services we have are being centralised to Mullingar, like the former Castlepollard social welfare office, and people don’t have the resources to get there. Healthcare is also a concern for people on the doors. GP services were closed before Covid in places like Rochfortbridge, and patients have to travel to receive care. We need to stop gutting these services for our communities.

4. Who is your role model?

My mam and my nanny are huge role models for me.

5. What are your hobbies?

I love creative hobbies. I studied creative photography. I sew, paint and draw. I also enjoy writing poetry to clear my head.

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

I have nine rescue animals, three dogs and six cats!