Speaking on the canvass trail this week, Athlone SocDems candidate, Fiona Lynam, has spoken of the constituent disillusionment she has experienced as she meets with the voting public.
“Over the past few months, I have been canvassing and speaking to people on the doorsteps and can see how disillusioned people are with the major political parties. Repeatedly, the voting public are telling me stories of their lives, unaffordable housing, long commutes, lack of access to vital public services and a lack of accountability in Government.
“I think people are looking for a change. They are disillusioned with the big parties but they have not given up hope on politics. This was shown by the referenda of the past few years, when ordinary people and grassroots groups across Ireland brought about historic reform. That has given renewed energy to many people and Indeed, those referenda inspired me to run for election,” Fiona enthused.
The Athlone SocDems hopeful spoke of a recent visit to Athlone by the co-leaders of the party, Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy.
“It was heartening to witness the outpouring of goodwill and respect that both of these TDs received on the streets. Róisín, Catherine and I explained to people who might have been unfamiliar with the Social Democrats that the party was founded in 2015. The Social Democrats stand on the principles of progress, equality, democracy and sustainability and believe that proper long-term planning is vital in securing the health of our communities, the sustainability of our economy and the development of our infrastructure.
“We need to know what our politicians and councils are planning and we need to know what impact that these plans will have upon our towns, our villages and our families,” Fiona concluded.
