Meet the candidates: Maureen Ward, Aontú

Here is our Q&A with Maureen Ward who is running as a candidate for Aontú in the Offaly constituency. She is a tireless advocate for the Traveller community across the Midlands and beyond.

Why did you decide to run for the Dáil?

Over the last few years, nothing much has changed. It's the same political parties in power. I felt that having a member of the Traveller community in the mix might actually stir up some fresh ideas, and fresh blood. If you add new people into the mix, it might actually resolve some of the issues that haven't been resolved over the years, and it might bring more accountability for actions that were done.

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

With Aontú, we would be strong on looking for accountability, and as a Traveller activist and a human rights activist, I would always go by the community development approach in that everything you do there is accountability for it - because what you do has a reaction. Even when it comes to demanding a real change in housing. As a member of the Traveller community I would've been a part of the homelessness crisis for a number of years - I spent 17 years campaigning with my mother, and it's only in the last four years that I got my forever home.

I'm going to continue to look for homes for other families that need them. I've lived that experience, so I feel I bring new vitality, and new ideas. I bring clear communication and transparency.

Aontú is a centre-left, socially conservative, pro-life, republican party, and it cherishes people equally. They value true and real diversity, and true inclusion, and justice for people - and that is something that I believe in. Families should have a home, a functional health service, protection from crime, an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work, services for children, say, with autism, and a transport system that does actually work.

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

From the feedback I'm getting on the ground across Offaly, from Travellers and non-Travellers, a lot of people have said 'Well done Maureen - you're getting my number 1'. I feel that people are looking for change, and they see me as a role model in that I look for change all the time, and I have a reputation for that across the country.

I'm going to give 110 per cent to try and bring about the change that's needed, and the accountability. There's so much money being spent, in my eyes, in a foolish way. The money should be spent on what it's allocated for.

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

I would combine housing, education, and healthcare as my main priority. I know they're three things, but to me they're one. They're interlinked - you need your house for your stability, and to get your education, and you need your education to advocate for your healthcare.