LE Candidates Q&A: Hazel Smyth (Green Party)

Mullingar LEA

1. Tell us a little about yourself

I'm a native Westmeath mother of one and Green Party councillor (currently on maternity leave) with a passion for protecting our environment, social justice and supporting our local community.

I'm a qualified barrister and work full-time also in a multi-national technology company. I'm the chair of the Mullingar Sustainable Energy Community (SEC), board director of the Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, director on the Westmeath Innovation and Enterprise DAC, member of the road safety committee, Mullingar Pool Action Group, and Mullingar Climate Action Network.

I volunteer with FLAC and I have qualifications in employment, contract, environment and privacy law.

2. Why did you get involved in politics?

The ongoing destruction of our environment/planet pushed me to get involved in politics, as well as the need for better policy making in general regarding matters such as healthcare, housing and transport; as well as pressing local issues such as the re-development of St Loman's.

3. What are the big issues?

The big issues that I would love to continue tackling include the re-development of the St Loman's campus, and Columb Barracks, which desperately need to be re-purposed in light of the current housing crisis. In addition, the need for a new swimming pool, new school, better public transport, and supports for local businesses.

4. Who is your role model?

Mary Robinson, Michelle Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and my parents.

5. What are your hobbies?

I love yoga, reading, swimming, cycling (with great hopes to do another triathlon again soon!), board games, dancing, paddle-boarding and tennis.

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

I have an identical twin sister and volunteered for 10 years with ALONE as an elderly person befriender volunteer.