"Voters want housing, education and immigration reform" says Laois TD hopeful 

Independent candidate Elaine Mullally is halfway through her "listening tour of Laois", a series of public meetings held in towns across the county.

The Portarlington woman recently announced her intention to run as an independent candidate in the next general election, and could make history as the first Laois woman to represent the county. 

Mrs Mullally has said that from listening to locals at her public meetings, the main issues Laois voters are facing are housing, immigration, the education system and childcare. The candidate maintains that her direct interactions with constituents gives her a clearer perception of "what Laois wants".  

"Housing is a massive concern, immigration is on everyone’s mind, and our education system, particularly for children with special needs, requires urgent reform and investment to ensure these children and their families get the support they need," Mrs Mullally said.

"Childcare is also a huge issue for families trying to balance work and life. I’m incredibly grateful for the turnout so far at my public meetings —it’s been a powerful reminder of why I'm running."

"We’ve had incredible discussions at every event, and the people of Laois are sharing their stories, their struggles, and their hopes for the future," said Mrs Mullally. 

Pictured: Independent candidate Elaine Mullally

If elected, Mrs Mullally would make history as the first Laois woman to represent the county, yet the candidate maintains that her mission "goes beyond breaking barriers".

The Independent candidate assures that she is "laser-focused" on tackling the core issues facing the constituency: housing, immigration, childcare, and education—especially in the special needs sector.

"As an Independent, I feel I can genuinely represent the voices of the people, free from the shackles of the oppressive whip system that dominates Irish politics," Mrs Mullally said.

"I am here to serve Laois, and to do that, I need to listen—really listen—to what matters to the community, work on solutions and get the job done."

Mrs Mullally was a founding member of Independent Ireland, and held the position of Chairperson before parting ways last July. Mrs Mullally has said she left the party as it "no longer aligns with her values and principles."

When asked why people should vote for her, Mrs Mullally said “I have the courage and integrity to stand up for what I truly believe in.” 

With four out of her seven planned meetings already completed in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Abbeyleix, and Clonaslee, Mrs Mullally will soon visit:

Mountmellick on 18^th September in Mountmellick MDA.

Mountrath on 19^th September in Bloom HQ.

Killeshin on 25^th September in Killeshin Hall.

All meetings are open to the public and will begin at 8:00 PM.

Mrs Mullally encourages all Laois residents to attend. "These events aren’t just about listening—they’re about shaping the future of Laois together," she finished.