Ekaterina Koneva (Green Party), Birr

We sent a questionnaire to all 15 candidates running in the Birr Electoral Area in the forthcoming Offaly County Council election. The responses were published in print in the Offaly Independent last Friday.

NAME: Ekaterina Koneva

ADDRESS: Crinkle, Birr.

PARTY: Green Party.

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Social inclusion, transport and housing.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I am running in this election because I wish to see changes and I have fresh and clear ideas on how to make these changes happen. I am passionate about nature, and I would like to see the world around me restored to its original state with its magnificent and unique biodiversity for each country. I would like to let my kids and grandkids live in a clean and green world, with fresh and clean water and air. I believe we have technologies and knowledge to produce food and heat without damaging our planet's ecosystem. I believe in equality, and I see enough space for every resident in Ireland to have a home. There are thousands of derelict private houses and Government buildings which can be used for community needs, such as childcare services and community centres.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Traffic and air pollution.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

My grandmother, a village girl who achieved everything herself. She received three degrees, was the principal of two schools at the same time, and later chaired the schools’ association in the region.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU:

As a child, I spent summers with my grandmother. I spent a lot of time in her small garden, where I fell in love with nature and learned how to grow flowers and organic food. That was the best food I ever tried!