GE 24 meet the candidates: Robert Troy (Fianna Fáil)

Meet the candidates GE 24

I am a 42-year-old proud father of one, a little girl called Maria and soon to be father of a little boy, God willing, in six weeks. I’m married to Aideen, and we live in Mullingar. I am originally from Ballynacargy and was raised in the village with my eight brothers and three sisters. When I finished school I went straight into the bank in Dublin, skipping third-level education. While the bank gave me an excellent learning foundation for my career, I always regretted not going to third level. In 2020, I eventually fulfilled that ambition by commencing a degree in business administration and achieving a post-graduate qualification. I moved back to Ballynacargy in 2003 and took over the Post Office. I was first elected to Westmeath County Council in 2004 and was elected to Dáil Eireann in 2011. I am a practising Catholic and a firm believer in hard work and dedication. In my spare….and getting sparer time…. I like to run, hike and travel.

When it comes to housing, why should the Irish people vote your party back into power when homelessness is at a record level in this country?

Foremost, the homeless situation in this country is not acceptable. My party acknowledge this and works tirelessly to help people who find themselves without a home. Housing is Fianna Fáil's number one priority.

People should vote for Fianna Fáil because we have built more houses during the last government term than the previous two governments combined. We have put in place a number of schemes and incentives to help people buy, build, renovate or rent a property. We have pledged to resolve this issue but as people know it takes time to build and time to see changes happen in housing. I believe we are now seeing the benefit of these changes and progress will accelerate now that we have passed the new Planning and Development Bill. Additionally, the introduction of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant by Fianna Fáil offering grants of up to €70k has brought thousands of derelict properties across Ireland back to life. Close to 9,000 funding applications have been received under this scheme with some €25m already disbursed.

Notwithstanding these schemes I acknowledge the profound challenges facing Ireland’s housing sector and recognise that much more needs to be done to make homeownership a reality for Irish people who for too long have been locked out of the housing market.

How do you intend to address the economic concerns that many people face due to the rising costs of groceries, insurance etc?

Fianna Fáil understand the impact that rising prices are having on households and families. The cost of essentials like home energy, groceries and insurance are still too high, driven by the war in Ukraine and supply chain disruption. Fianna Fáil ensured that Budget 2025 included energy credits and cost of living payments to ease the burden on families, however, we know that families and small businesses are still struggling to make ends meet. Action is needed to prevent future inflation and reduce prices in essentials such as groceries, energy and insurance.

Fianna Fáil has committed to protecting family incomes and to increasing social welfare rates. We will maintain VAT rates on gas and electricity at 9% for five years, increase the rate of the State Pension, tackle insurance costs, and cap childcare fees at €200 per month.

What is your proudest achievement as a TD representing Longford Westmeath over the past five years?

I have had many proud moments as a TD over the last five years, however, perhaps my proudest achievement is the establishment of the new Dementia Daycare Centre in Multyfarnham serving the people of Westmeath. I see first-hand how many families are affected by dementia and the struggles and pain they go through daily. My own family has faced this reality in recent years with my dad’s diagnosis of dementia.

It was a privilege to work with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and play a part in the opening of this incredible service. I remain in close contact with the staff and have witnessed first-hand the remarkable service they provide to its service users and their families.

Is there anything personally that you would do differently?

Yes, I regret the mistakes made on my Standard in Public Office (SIPO) form which led to my resignation as a Junior Minister in 2022. I fully accept this was my fault. However, it was unintentional, and I was in no way trying to conceal anything. I had declared all of my interests on the forms, however they were listed under the Occupation section only and should also have been included under the Land section. It was a human error, and I regret it.

If you were marking the performance of the current government out of 10 what would you give it?

I would give it an 8. I am giving credit for our handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, our handling of the economy and the progress across the board in all departments. For example, the energy transition measures driven by the Climate Action Plan and the legislation driven by Housing for All. This government has passed long-term, consequential legislation which will continue to set the agenda for future governments. However, I do think we have more to do in housing, health, climate, immigration and public service reform.

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

I want to see the rights of every child vindicated. Whether that’s access to an appropriate school place, an assessment ofnNeed, timely access to an intervention or therapy that will help them reach their full potential or having a hot meal and safe home. There are many challenges facing Ireland's new government but protecting children and families is undoubtedly the most important.