GE 24 meet the candidates: Dympna Cunniffe (Fianna Fail)

Meet the candidates GE 24

Mount Temple native, Dympna Cunniffe is a first time candidate for Fianna Fail in this election. She has a long-standing history of seeking improvements in her local community.

Why should the Irish people vote for Fianna Fáil candidates when they have been part of a Government which has seen homelessness rise to record levels?

Housing policy has suffered under the dominance of Fine Gael and a weakened Fianna Fáil, which is only now beginning to recover its identity. The new Fianna Fáil manifesto sets a clear direction to empower local authorities and prioritize community-led housing solutions. It’s about getting back to our roots—putting community needs ahead of developer interests. Housing is a right and a commodity, as such, it is a difficult problem. The policies outlined in the manifesto, like increased investment in social housing and empowering councils, reflect that commitment.

What should be done to address the economic concerns that many people face due to the rising cost of groceries, insurance, and the rising cost of living generally?

People are under pressure, and it’s clear that centralised decision-making often fails to address local realities. I'm committed to measures that align with these priorities, such as supporting locally-driven cooperatives, credit unions and new initiatives that support small businesses. These steps empower communities to take control of their own economic resilience and give power back to the people.

What one issue would be your top priority if you are elected to the Dáil?

Community consultation and control. The manifesto outlines a renewed focus on empowering local voices, which I fully support. Whether it’s housing, IPAS centres or infrastructure, local communities should have the final say. People are tired of being told what’s happening in their own backyards without any real input. I will work with Fianna Fáil to reinforce their legacy of community-driven decision-making. It must be at the heart of our policies to discern ourselves from Fine Gael.

If you were marking the performance of the current Government out of 10, what would you give it, and why?

I’d give it a 6. Progress has been made, but I believe Fine Gael’s influence has pushed Fianna Fáil toward a more centralised and top-down approach. That’s not the Fianna Fáil I remember—the Fianna Fáil of yesteryear aimed for decentralisation and community-driven solutions. The new manifesto, however, gives me hope. It focuses on rebuilding trust through grassroots democracy and ensuring local groups and councils have the tools they need to address issues like housing and cost-of-living support. Real democracy means trusting communities to lead.

What would your preference be in terms of a Coalition partner/partners for the next Government?

My preference is for a coalition that respects local autonomy and grassroots democracy. I’d want to partner with those who share that vision. Top-down governance isn’t the way forward—we need a government that trusts communities to lead and shapes policy from the ground up.