LE Candidates Q&A: Mick Dollard (Independent)

Mullingar LEA

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself

I was born in The Curragh and came to Mullingar at four years of age. I attended St Mary's CBS and played hurling and football for the school. I joined the army when I was 16. I served overseas on a number of occasions. I left the army and went working in St Loman's Psychiatric hospital when I was 21. I worked there for 40 years plus. I was co-opted to Mullingar Town Commissioners in 1984, following the death of Jimmy Bennett.

In 1985, I was elected to Westmeath County Council and Mullingar Town Commissioners. I have been elected in every subsequent election to the council since then.

I am a board member of Mullingar Arts Centre, a member of LWETB, the chair of Mullingar Community College board of management and I am a peace commissioner.

I am also a board member at Temporary Emergency Accommodation Midlands. I am also a member of ONE, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel

2. Why did you get involved in politics?

I was always involved in the trade union movement and residents associations and community groups. It was a natural progression.

3. What do you see as the big issues in your area?

Without doubt, the number one is housing. All types of housing not just social: affordable housing and people attempting to get on the property ladder.

A lot of people know me and talk to me in confidence and migration is a big issue out there. Another issue is Mullingar versus Athlone.

There is a view that a lot of economic development is going to Athlone instead of Mullingar. Traffic calming in housing estates and traffic gridlock in the town are other issues that people have raised with me.

4. Who is your role model?

I have a number of role models, none of them politicians. One is Sr Finbarr Breslin and I was instrumental in having the road between the Loreto road and primary care centre called after her.

5. What are your hobbies?

I love gardening.

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

I like to think I am an open book.