Bennett to run for Labour in general election

The Labour party have selected Fidelma Bennett as their general election candidate for Longford Westmeath. The Mullingar native was narrowly denied a seat on Westmeath County Council earlier this year. She says her involvement in politics stems from a deep-seated belief that everyone deserves a voice at the table, particularly the economically disadvantaged and those who have struggled because of the housing crisis.

Fidelma said “it is an honour to be selected as the Labour Party candidate for the general election, following in the footsteps of the local political giant Willie Penrose and my late father, Jimmy Bennett, a well-known and respected Labour councillor”.

“Mullingar is a wonderful town, it is my home, it is a place I want to see grow and thrive to realise its true potential as the economic counterpoint to Dublin and the east coast. My background is in homeless services, having worked for many years with a local charity supporting women and children. I previously worked in education and local business.”

Fidelma said she wants to shape a Westmeath where conditions exist for everyone to build a good future for themselves and their families. “A chronic shortage of housing is causing far too much anxiety and stress. Those who are lucky enough to be offered college places in Dublin and elsewhere face no accommodation availability and have to endure long daily commutes. The lack of adequate mental health services for our young people and adults is also heaping pain on those already suffering. You only have to walk the streets of our towns to witness the sadness inflicted by metal health issues and housing pressures in our constituency,” Ms Bennett said.

The Labour candidate says that her priorities for Longford Westmeath include: more social and affordable housing; improved transport networks; a functioning mental health strategy to unlock current gridlock with CAMHS and other services, especially children’s psychological assessments and supports; a review of the current rural decline with services withdrawn from our small towns and villages and planning a contentious issue for local families.

“I will be canvassing across the constituency in the coming months. If elected, I commit to being a hard-working and efficient TD for Longford Westmeath,” she concluded.