Meet the candidates: Mike Boylan, Independent

Here is our Q&A with Mike Boylan who is running as an Independent in the Offaly constituency. He is a native of Banagher, and runs a transport company.

Why are you running in this election?

I am running in this election as I feel Offaly needs a strong independent voice and I wouldn't be happy with all that Offaly has lost over the last number of years because of the Green Party backed by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. We need change.

I am from Banagher where I have built a successful bus company for the last 18 years. I am married with a young family so I am very aware of the challenges faced by households today.

As an Independent TD, I will retain that independence and be answerable only to you who elect me. I will promote openness and transparency as a public representative for Offaly.

Do Independents have any real power to enact change in the Dail?

This will depend on how the government is formed after the election but I feel If I am elected I can get a lot done for the people of Offaly.

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

Housing and immigration are the biggest issues that I am coming across while canvassing.

My priority would be to get affordable accommodation for the people as everyone is entitled to have a roof over their heads.

There needs to be a greater access to affordable and social housing.

For example, at the moment, a family with four children who has an income of €700 a week is above the threshold for the council housing list but will only qualify for a mortgage of €140,000 and there are no properties available for this kind of money. So we need legislation for people in this situation.

What would you do differently to other candidates if you were elected?

I won't make false promises. I will be available to the people as from my own experience in the past once an election is over it's very hard to get talking to TDs as I have been told in the past they are too busy in Dublin.

That's what staff in the constituency office are for. If you're voted in by the people of Offaly you have to make yourself available no matter how busy you are, as I will.