Aontú unveils new local representatives for Dundalk

Aontú has announced two new Local Area Representatives for Dundalk, with Stephanie Kent selected to represent Dundalk-Carlingford and Jack Traynor appointed as the party’s representative for Dundalk South.

The announcement was made at an Aontú event in Dundalk, with the party saying that it is continuing to build its organisation and presence across Louth and nationally.

It comes at a significant time for Aontú, with the party recording 8% in the latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll, its highest level of support in any opinion poll to date.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD welcomed the ratifications, saying the party was determined to build a strong local presence and provide people in Dundalk with a political alternative focused on practical solutions to the issues affecting them and their families.

Aontú said that the appointments bring two new local voices into the Aontú organisation at a time when the party is expanding its network of representatives and volunteers across the country.

Jack Traynor, from Haggardstown, is a doctoral researcher at Trinity College Dublin and an historian and author by background. He has been a member of Aontú since 2019 and has served on the party’s Ard Chomhairle. Jack is married to Siobhán and they have two children.

Speaking following his selection as Aontú Local Area Representative for Dundalk South, Jack Traynor said: “I’m delighted to have been selected as the Aontú Local Area Representative for Dundalk South.

“Dundalk is a great town with a strong community spirit, but like communities right across the country, people are under enormous pressure at the moment.

“As a father of two young children, I understand the challenges facing working families. People are feeling the squeeze every day, at the fuel pump, at the grocery till and when it comes to paying household bills.

“People are working hard, but too many are finding that their wages simply aren’t stretching as far as they used to. At the same time, we are seeing serious problems with housing, healthcare, transport and the delivery of basic public services.''

“I joined Aontú because I believe Irish politics needs people who are prepared to ask difficult questions and challenge the Government when it gets things wrong. Peadar Tóibín has consistently shown that Aontú is willing to raise issues that other parties are sometimes reluctant to address.

“One example is the absence of any language requirement, English or Irish, for people applying for Irish citizenship. Dep. Tóibín has been raising this issue for some time, and it is significant that the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, has now moved towards the position Aontú has been advocating.

“That is what I believe politics should be about: identifying problems, putting forward sensible solutions and holding Government to account when necessary. We want to find common-sense solutions to the very real problems facing people in Dundalk and across Ireland.''

“I’m looking forward to meeting people across Dundalk South, listening to their concerns and working with local communities to make sure their voices are heard.”

Stephanie Kent, who will represent Dundalk-Carlingford, said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of Aontú Local Area Representative for Dundalk-Carlingford. Dundalk and the wider area deserve strong local representation, people who will listen, who will stand up for the community and who will not be afraid to challenge the Government when decisions are not delivering for local people.

“I joined Aontú because I believe there is a real need for a political voice that puts ordinary families and local communities first.

“I’m looking forward to getting out into the community, meeting people, hearing directly about the issues that matter to them and working alongside Jack, Peadar and the wider Aontú team to make sure Dundalk and the surrounding communities get the representation they deserve.

“The latest opinion poll showing Aontú at 8% demonstrates that more and more people are looking for an alternative. That support brings responsibility with it, and we intend to work hard to earn the trust of people locally.”

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD said the party’s growth was being driven by people who wanted a political alternative that was prepared to listen to communities and tackle difficult issues.

He said: “Stephanie and Jack will be excellent representatives for Aontú in Dundalk. We are seeing growing support for Aontú because people want a political alternative that is prepared to speak plainly about the problems facing the country and, importantly, is prepared to do something about them.

“The latest poll putting Aontú at 8%, our highest poll rating to date, is very encouraging, but we don’t take that support for granted.

“Politics is ultimately about people and communities. Our job is to listen, to represent people effectively and to work for practical solutions.

“Dundalk is an important community and Aontú is committed to building a strong presence here. I am delighted to have Stephanie and Jack taking on these roles and I look forward to working closely with both of them in the months ahead.”

The appointments are part of Aontú’s continued expansion of its local organisation, with the party seeking to strengthen its representation and engagement with communities in Louth ahead of the next local and general elections.

The two new Aontú reps will join their colleague Michael O Dowd, a long standing and well known party rep for Drogheda.