Yound Dundalk man Ryan McKeown to stand as Independent Ireland candidate in Louth

Independent Ireland General Election candidate for Louth and East Meath Ryan McKeown has said he believes that “mental health should be prioritised” and he “will be that voice in Dáil Eireann” if elected.

Ryan said: "As a first time candidate in the forthcoming General Election, I would like to introduce myself to the constituents of Louth and East Meath:

“My family is originally from Beechmount Drive in Coxes Demesne, Dundalk.

“I am a young man, I understand some people may think why should we have faith in me because of my age and what life experience I have, when I say I do.. I do.

“I have seen my parents struggle from week to week to make ends meet. I have seen my mother cry scared and panicked about whether she was going to be able to make ends meet, but they always did and they worked every hour God sent and still were left struggling.

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“I am asking the people of Louth and East Meath to give me this one chance to work and show them that I will be there for them and their families.

“I know the role I have applied for is intense and going to be challenging but I am prepared and dedicated to working seven days a week for every person who comes to me for help.”

Ryan continued: “I grew up with ADHD and being locked out of camhs and not getting the support and help I truly needed at the age of 10 I tried to take my own life, because I couldn't grasp and understand what was happening as I was falling behind in school and I really wanted to learn but my disability wouldn't let me.

“There's many kids out there caught in that situation now because of failed government policy.”

Ryan continued saying: “Louth and East Meath are lovely places and full of many different characters who bring their own opinions to the table. I believe the best policy ever written was "Be a helping hand and ask that question how can I help?"

“I am committed to the community and if the people of Louth and East Meath give me this chance to represent them I will go to Dàil to get the best deal for the people and I will never settle for anything less than that.

“In a time with so many issues and people facing many issues, I strongly believe politics needs to be put aside sometimes and we need to get the job done for the people in their best interests.

“With this in mind I am conscious that in the constituency of Louth and East Meath the issue of mental health has been very prevalent in people's minds lately.

“I believe that mental health should be prioritised very strongly and I will be that voice in Dáil Eireann if I am privileged to be elected.

“It is incumbent on all parties and none to work together in order to address this most important issue. No more unnecessary loss of life! 

He concluded: “Once again I am young, I have energy, I have the knowledge, I have the education and that's what Louth and East Meath need, someone who is truly going to work for them, I ain't a false promise man, I am a young man of common sense and Independent Ireland has the policies to better the lives off all.

“A vote for McKeown on polling day is a vote for us all to go to the Dàil, not just me, we're going to go together as a constituency.”