Laois man who featured in film to run for Sinn Féin

Jason, a qualified carpenter/joiner with 28 years’ experience, outlined is involvement in other local issues.

"When Abbeyleix Hospital was at risk of closure, I supported the campaign to retain it to provide much needed services and employment in the area. Over the past 2 years I have been active in providing support to those people affected by bereavement. I am also a member of Rathmoyle Residents Association," he said.

He highlighted some of the bigger issues he feels need to be addressed.

"The difficulties people are having trying to secure an affordable home to buy or rent, along with shortcomings in our health services needs to be addressed. We must also improve infrastructure and services such as roads and broadband in rural areas," he said.

He identified priorities as: affordable homes to buy scheme & social housing; improving services at Abbeyleix Health Centre & Hospital; expansion of local public transport; ensuring local roads are well maintained; environmental protection, waste reduction/recycling and protecting our natural habitats; disabled access in all public areas and buildings. More below picture.

Pictured: Jason Phelan, Maria McCormick, Brian Stanley TD, Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley

Laois Offaly Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley welcomed the candidate.

“Jason has the potential to be an effective councillor and if elected he is ideally located in the southern part of the Portlaoise/Abbeyleix District. Working alongside Maria Mc Cormack and Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley, they will make a formidable team. We want to increase political strength at local level and elect more councillors,” he said.

There are just Sinn Féin councillors on Laois County Council at present.