Rory Ryan (Sinn Féin), Edenderry

NAME: Rory Ryan

ADDRESS: 52 Brocan Wood, Monasterevin.

PARTY: Sinn Féin

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

The neglected, 'driven through and not stopped in' towns and communities across the country which are actually full of community spirit and people that want to deliver better lives for their families, neighbours and children. These communities deserve better representation.

Some, like St. Mary's Terrace, were left with a dangerous and cracked road for almost 70 years (resurfaced last week after representation). Others, like Daingean, don’t even have a GP service in the town.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I believe we have the opportunity to build a New, Fair and Equal Ireland for all of its citizens. Sinn Féin is the party to bring the vision into reality and I want to help ensure we deliver on this vision for the people of Offaly.

I have been a Sinn Féin activist in our Cumann in Gracefield for many years, was Students' Union President and a Trade Union Activist. I am running because I know I will, if elected, work well on the council and help deliver for Offaly.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Housing. Adequate and affordable housing to stop the disintegration of rural communities. A sustained and growing population will create more local jobs. Infrastructure. We don't just need better roads for our cars, we need better roads to deliver more and safer bus routes. We need to expand the bus and rail network in line with population growth.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

Gandhi – he delivered freedom for India from British colonisation and fought for civil rights in Africa through non-violent action.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU:

I love watersports – kayaking, boating, paddleboarding, surfing.