Eddie Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fáil), Edenderry

We sent a questionnaire to all 10 candidates running in the Edenderry Electoral Area in the forthcoming Offaly County Council election. The responses were published in print in the Offaly Independent last Friday.

NAME: Eddie Fitzpatrick

ADDRESS: Benfield, Cloneyhurke, Portarlington.

PARTY: Fianna Fáil

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

The Development of Derryounce Lakes and Trails, Portarlington, as a regional tourism attraction. Also, supporting rural communities across the county and the delivery of Just Transition funding for Offaly as a county directly impacted by this policy.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I was first elected to Offaly County Council in 2004, and I believe I have served the people I represent to the best of my ability. I wish to continue, with the support of my constituents, for another term as a councillor to serve the county and the Municipal District I represent.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

The main issues are roads, speeding, traffic calming, and housing to some extent, as we just allocated 33 housing units in Portarlington.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

I don't want to mention anyone in particular, but I have great admiration for people who care for our young people with disabilities and for our elderly.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU:

I would say I am a full-time politician, but I very much enjoy working on the family farm with my son. Farming has been my life since inheriting the family farm, of which I'm the fourth generation. I have a huge interest in sport, especially rugby and GAA. I am a lover of country music and social dancing, especially jiving. All of that is on hold at the moment, as the canvassing takes up all my evenings, but I look forward to getting back out again after the election.