Meet the candidates: Fergus McDonnell, Independent Ireland

Here is our Q&A with Fergus McDonnell, who is running as a candidate with Independent Ireland. He is currently a councillor with Offaly County Council, and Cathaoirleach of the Edenderry Municipal District Council.

Why did you decide to run for the Dáil?

I'm 30 years in representation since 1985. I've been on the town council for 29 years, I was on Offaly County Council previously, as well as the housing board since the recent June elections. I'm trying to promote this area, Offaly in general and the North Offaly area in particular.

What would Independent Ireland do differently to other parties if it formed part of the next Government?

We have a range of policies, and of course in any coalition government there has to be compromise. We would set down red lines with regard to our core policies that we would have to have included.

How would you assess your chances of winning a Dáil seat at this election?

I believe it's achievable. There's 10 candidates, and the whole traditional dynamic in politics in Offaly is splintered throughout the county. I think it's an opportune time, people are actually looking for something different like Independent Ireland. Our punchline is common sense - there should be a common sense approach to forming policies.

What one issue would be your top priority if you are elected to the Dáil?

In County Offaly, housing is the number one issue by a long shot. We have huge numbers on the social housing list, we have a big cohort of people who are in the middle ground of being above the income level for a social house, but who cannot in their own right achieve a private house.

While there are schemes there, they need to be improved significantly to make it easier for people to achieve their own home in a normal traditional timeframe - because now a lot of mature adults are living at home with their parents. They want their own home, and to start their life. We have core policies that will influence that and help to deliver it.