Declan Harvey (Fianna Fáil), Tullamore

We sent a questionnaire to all 12 candidates running in the Tullamore Electoral Area in the forthcoming Offaly County Council election. The responses were published in print in the Offaly Independent last Friday.

NAME: Declan Harvey

ADDRESS: 11 Park Avenue, Tullamore

PARTY: Fianna Fáil

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

I am interested in helping anyone who comes to me, whether they are young or old. No matter what problem people have, I am there to help in any way I can.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

Since I first got elected in 2009 I just got a feel for helping people and I would like to continue to do that if I am lucky enough to get elected again this time. I consider this job as being my full-time job now and I get great satisfaction out of meeting people, hearing their problems and being able to help them.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Fuel poverty is a very big issue, especially for people living in housing estates that were built in the 1950s and 1960s. With briquettes at €10 a bale, and turf being phased out altogether, many families I meet are wondering how they are going to heat their homes going forward. Speed on the roads is another big issue, and I have also met a lot of people on my canvass who want to see more carriages being put on the train from Tullamore to Dublin. They are also looking for more trains to be put on that route.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

John Flanagan Snr, who passed away recently, was a great mentor and friend to me, and I also admire Brian Cowen. Both men proposed me for the Town Council in 2008, which was a great surprise and if I ever needed any advice I could go to either of them. Everyone needs good mentors in their life.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU:

I am a Chelsea and a Celtic supporter but, as a Tullamore man born and bred, I am a true blue Tullamore Town supporter. Offaly is my county, so it's Offaly first, and then Chelsea and Celtic for me!