Fergal Landy has been added to the list of candidates contesting the General Election in Galway East as an independent/non-party candidate. Fergal lives in Maree with his partner and three children. He has worked in public service with children, young people, families, individuals, and communities for over 20 years.
He has worked with the HSE, Galway University, Tusla and the Family Resource Centre National Forum. Over his career he has held a variety of roles such as social worker, community development worker, researcher, manager of public sector reform and most recently as CEO of a national network of local community development organisations.
Fergal was a candidate for the Labour Party in the recent local elections in Oranmore Athenry and in the European Elections in Midlands North West, but is contesting the General Election as a non-party candidate.
Speaking as he signed his nomination papers, Landy said he feels strongly that it is important that the people of Galway East have the option to vote for a strong, progressive, centre left candidate.
"My sense is that people are deeply frustrated that as a relatively affluent country we have utterly failed over many years to provide people with access to proper public services in areas like housing, health and disability services, a public of model of childcare, or public transport”
"I think there is a real issue with how regional and rural development is to be achieved in a fair and sustainable manner. Change is always difficult but the current approach of forcing people to change well before the required infrastructure is in place to enable those changes has the effect of wrongly pitting rural people against sustainability and biodiversity initiatives. Rural people understand the value of nature more than anyone and we should be making the change feel like a time of immense opportunity through investment in rural transport and renewable energy.
Communities in east Galway need to be properly supported through investment in comprehensive public infrastructure and services so that challenges like sustainability and migration can be addressed. It is the failure by Government to ensure such investment that is causing division.
An issue I know is causing great distress for parents is the impact of smart phone usage on our children and young people, we have a tsunami of anxiety and distress happening and its directly linked to this Government’s failure to properly regulate the online space and its harmful impacts on our young people. With proper regulation young people can be protected from the harmful effects of smartphones and educated on the how to enjoy the many benefits of technology.
Local and global issues are inherently connected through the participation and empowerment of communities to think global and act local. I believe there is strong support in East Galway for an Ireland that plays its role as a global leader in peace, prosperity, and sustainability. Ireland should be consistent in the application of our neutrality and in our respect for international law.
