Posting a significant first preference figure of 2,325 votes, inaugural General Election Green Party candidate in the Longford/Westmeath constituency, Cllr. Louise Heavin, expressed her pride at achieving prominent ballot paper recognition as she spoke with the Athlone Advertiser following the formal count conclusion late on Monday night.
A sitting Councillor in the Athlone Moate Municipal District, this was Louise’s second time to face the electorate in less than twelve months, having attained local authority election success in May 2019.
“To more than double the first vote preference percentage which prevailed in General Election is an achievement of which to be proud and it is certainly a huge endorsement both on a personal level and as a Green Party candidate on a national platform. Going forward, there is most definitely a mandate upon which to build,” Cllr. Heavin affirmed.
As she interacted with constituents on the canvass campaign trail, Louise noted the desire for change, which was reflected in the General Election result outcome, the Green Party achieving twelve Dáil Éireann seats, reflecting the voting public’s requirement for an alternative political regime.
“The overall General Election result should firmly resonate with the traditional political powers, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, who need to take stock of their status. Constituents are looking for a better quality of life, in particular with regard to housing and healthcare and have now voted for change, as both parties were not serving the needs of the electorate,” Cllr. Heavin stressed.
Reiterating the view expressed by Green Party leader, Eamon Ryan, Louise noted that it was his intention to speak with all political parties with regard to the formation of the next Government, in particular those who see climate change as an issue which requires urgent addressing.
Pertaining to her first experience of a national election campaign, Louise broached numerous issues as she canvassed in recent weeks and in her capacity as a local authority representative she can now address such matters with her colleagues in the surrounds of the Athlone Moate Municipal District.
“It is a learning experience and one which will now allow me to fulfil my role as a Councillor in a more confident manner and I look forward to doing so in the future,” Cllr. Heavin concluded.
