The Longford-Westmeath branch of the Social Democrats held their first public consultation session on February 1 in Athlone IT.
The branch will hold various other public sessions around both counties during the coming weeks. The sessions aim to gauge the important issues for the people of Longford and Westmeath, and to translate these issues into policy.
Branch chairperson, Karl Picard, spoke about the positive response the students of AIT gave party members and about the issues the students of AIT are concerned about.
The students spoke about repealing the eight amendment of the Constitution, the lack of mental health services in the Midlands, and improving access to third level education. Similar public consultations are planned for the towns of Longford, Athlone, and Mullingar.
The next meeting of the branch is on February 6 in the Prince of Wales Hotel from 7pm to 9pm and all are welcome to attend.
More information on the branch and the party can be found on Facebook and at www.socialdemocrats.ie
