Carol Nolan promises to 'repay the trust' of the Offaly electorate
FOLLOWING her poll-topping performance during the General Election, Independent TD Carol Nolan expressed her “deep sense of appreciation” to the Offaly electorate for delivering her “a resounding mandate” to represent them in the next Dáil.
Deputy Nolan was the only candidate elected who surpassed the quota, gaining 22.15% of first preferences. She did so on the fifth count.
She said she was “humbled and honoured by the overwhelming support” she received “from ballot boxes right across the spread of the county.
“There are so many people I want to thank; not least my family, the Good Lord above, my hard-working staff, everyone who gave up their time to canvas with me and everyone who went out in hail, rain and shine to put up my posters. I was blessed with the support and prayers of people too numerous to mention, including the overwhelming messages of encouragement I received online and via email.”
She said her greatest debt of gratitude goes to the Offaly electorate who demonstrated in their thousands that they are “behind me all the way” and had recognised her work ethic, her “tireless advocacy for their interests and my unwavering commitment to speak out fearlessly on their behalf. I will continue to be their voice at the national and local level, and I will do so with renewed determination.”
She also thanked each and every one of the count centre staff in St. Brendan’s Community School Birr and the Returning Officer “who were simply fantastic and whose mighty efforts ensured the results were brought in with such diligent professionalism.”
Speaking to the Tribune in the Count Centre on Saturday evening the Deputy said she loves her job and puts a lot of time and effort into it.
She said her energy levels and drive remain as high as ever after eight years being an Offaly TD.
The Tribune asked if Independents will have any say or influence in tackling major issues such as housing or cost of living.
"Can you do anything to alleviate those massive problems which are on the mind of every constituent?" the Tribune asked her.
"Well first of all," she replied, "the government haven't done anything to alleviate those. We have had a government for the last four and half years; during that time they haven't done anything to alleviate the housing crisis or the hardships affecting businesses."
The Tribune put it to her that the government parties have done some positive things in these areas.
She pointed out that whatever the coalition government had done had been nowhere near enough.
"Over the last number of years as an Independent I have worked constructively with all parties in government. I remain open to doing that. But it needs to be said that this bashing of Independents needs to stop, because we must respect the way people have voted, and we should respect Independents as being a viable force in Irish politics."