Aontú to field candidate in Birr in upcoming local elections

Aubrey Claffey is to contest the upcoming local elections for Aontú in the Birr Municipal District.

The Lusmagh man, who is deeply rooted in his local community and is current chair of Lusmagh Development Association, has always had a keen interest in politics and is very passionate about both his county and his community.

As a father of four he says he understands "the many challenges facing families" and wants to be "the voice for the people" in the Birr area.

"I have always been driven to uphold the culture of the local community and to position Offaly as an attractive and affordable location to live, educate your children and work in" he says, adding that the lack of affordable housing is "a significant problem" for many families.

"There are currently 2,491 empty homes in Offaly which is scandalous, and rents across the county have increased by 17.2% last year" said the Aontú candidate.

Aubrey Claffey has also highlighted the lack of basic access to childcare as one of his priorities and says it must be addressed urgently. "Over the last few months, I have repeatedly heard the distress from many people in the Birr Municpal District regarding GP appointments and the lack of resources’’ he said.

"Midoc, a vital service in the town of Birr, is gone and it's getting to the stage that obtaining an appointment for Midoc in Tullamore is becoming increasingly difficult due to the influx and the overflow from the lack of GP appointments on a day to day basis. This is a crisis and something Aontú will be looking to gain answers on to provide some reassurance to the people of the area. We can not and must not accept this level of service’’ says Claffey.

Speaking after the selection of Aubrey Claffey as the party's candidate, Aontú leader, Peadar Tóibín TD described him as "a valuable asset in county Offaly" and spoke of his "passion and determination" to get things done. "I know his passion and determination will translate into a record as a Councillor that the community will be proud of" said Deputy Tóibín, who said he looks forward to supporting Mr. Claffey in "delivering for people who feel they have been left behind."