Claire Murray (Sinn Féin), 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: Claire Murray

ADDRESS: 79 Hillview, Rhode.

PARTY: Sinn Féin

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Improved infrastructure, housing, transparency in local government decision making, and greater community participation.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I'm running for local election because I believe I can deliver meaningful change if elected as a Sinn Féin councillor. I can play my part in ensuring North Offaly has effective representation through the implementation of progressive policies that put ordinary people first. For too long, North Offaly has been the most neglected part of the county and I want to change that.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Poor infrastructure and lack of affordable housing to buy or rent.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

Maya Angelou. Her life story is one of the most inspirational in history. Her books and poetry have been a source of great comfort, wisdom and inspiration to me throughout the years, particularly her famous poem, 'And still I rise'.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU:

I was diagnosed some years ago with an anxiety disorder, and have worked hard over the last number of years to overcome that. I would never have believed back then that I would one day run for local elections. I understand first-hand the impact anxiety has on your life and want people who are currently going through mental health struggles to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. If I can do it, you can do it!