Thurles Sinn Féin Local Election campaign launched

Sinn Féin Local Election Candidate for the Thurles area Dan Harty held the launch of his campaign in Hickey’s Pub last Friday.

The event was well attended, chaired by Martin Browne TD and the guest speaker on the night was TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, the Sinn Féin candidate for the upcoming EU elections, Kathleen Funchion.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Browne said:

“I’ve known and worked with Dan for many years. He is a family man, a very hard worker and one of the most genuine people I have ever met. I’m delighted to endorse him as our candidate here in Thurles. 

"If the people want real change in this country, this change must start at the council level. Sinn Féin is running a record number of candidates across Tipperary, and I would urge the people of Thurles to support Dan Harty by giving him their number-one vote in June. 

"It’s very important that the people of Tipperary who are supporting Sinn Féin in the local elections also support our EU candidates by giving Kathleen Funchion number one and Paul Gavan number two.”

Kathleen Funchion TD spoke at the event and asked that people vote for Dan in the upcoming election. 

“I am good friends with both Dan and his partner Avril for many years from when he worked in Kilkenny as a party organiser for Sinn Féin. He helped us greatly to build up the organisation there, and I can attest to his commitment and ability to deliver on the ground. 

Kathleen continued:

“As you know, I am contesting the European election in June also. It would be an honour for me personally to represent the people of Tipperary in Brussels and I am committed to working tirelessly on your behalf if elected in June.”

During his speech, Dan paid homage to the support and friendship he has received from both Martin and Kathleen over the years. 

“The bad news is we will lose Martin after the next election here in north Tipperary due to the Dáil constituency review, but the good news is that we have a chance to elect Kathleen,” said Mr Harty.

Dan spoke about some of the main issues that he has heard coming up during the campaign, citing housing, health, the rising cost of living and immigration as some of the main concerns. 

He outlined some of the issues he will focus on if elected: 

“Having knocked on thousands of doors over the past year. From Gortnahoe to Upperchurch and everywhere in between. I am acutely aware of the main issues that are affecting people. Having had Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael-controlled governments and councils in this country since the foundation of the state, the time for change is long overdue.

“For young people and those of my generation, housing is one of the most pressing issues. Our councils need to lead the way in planning and delivery of social and affordable housing locally. I will be a thorn in the side of council officials, and on your behalf, I will demand that the housing needs of the people is always top of the agenda.”

“In my view, a councillor's job is to improve the quality of life of the citizens they represent. Thurles needs new industry. We can all list off the employers that pulled out over the years, never to be replaced. I will be calling on the IDA to seriously examine Thurles for investment. Thurles is in need of a Bypass, and I am currently working hard to have Thurles included in the National Development Plan to secure this vital piece of infrastructure for the town.”

“We need a renewed focus on our youth to deal with social problems and to ensure that their future in the locality is secure. We need to end the reliance on emigration as a release valve for the failures to adequately provide services for our young people.

"Instead of packing our young people off to Canada, America and Australia, we need improved housing and employment opportunities at home. If this is done our young people will stay and set down roots at home.”

“This is the work I will be focusing on. I can’t guarantee success in everything I do, I can however promise that I will give this 100% and try my very best on your behalf. If elected my work as a councillor will be my number one priority and will not come second place to other commitments,” said Mr Harty.