Deirdre Dillon (Non-Party), 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: Deirdre Dillon

ADDRESS: Killurin, Tullamore

PARTY: Independent

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Law and order, health related matters coming from a nursing background, Road quality. Concerned about hidden poverty and social deprivation and have helped locally voluntarily.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I believe in the importance of integrity, fairness, justice, accountability and should underpin the operations of county Offaly. I have lived in Offaly for the last 25 years. It's my first time being involved in anything political, and I don't come from a political background. Like many, I share much concern for current direction of society, which serves the selfish few, instead of the genuine needs of the public. Having seen so many changes over the last 25 years, not all the changes have been for the good and I want this corrected. If elected, I will be in a better position to do my best to help more people, to be their advocate in county Offaly. People deserve a decent chance to achieve their goals, to help their needs to be met, to live in peace, without undue fear and intimidation.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Better local services, including to bring back the local post office. Better crime prevention in the area. Better quality and more professional education provisions. More efficient handling of hospital waiting times.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

Brian Ború because of his key role in defending the Irish nation and sacrifices he made.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU:

I recently have a great interest in Maritime law, Brehon law, Common law and Contract law and also Irish history and culture and want to increase awareness of same.