5.
The Green Party’s Bláithín Gallagher is hoping for success in regard to the general election. Ms Gallagher stands for “real change, tough decisions, and true commitment.” Raised in a farming family in Leitrim, this gave her a deep understanding of the challenges facing rural and urban communities. The candidate's priorities include affordable homes, sustainable living, improving public transport, and fostering thriving communities. Passionate about rural Ireland, Gallagher champions sustainable farming practices that protect the land and reward farmers for their role in combating climate change. She believes in empowering rural Ireland to lead the green transition while also improving local infrastructure. A creative producer, and researcher, the Leitrim native has worked to enhance lives through the arts, ageing, disability, and health service. She has served on national and international boards, with the researcher saying, “Politics needs people with courage and a willingness to follow through on commitments,” “I’m ready to represent Sligo-Leitrim with the skills, experience, and dedication you deserve. I am asking for your Number 1 vote. Greens deliver. Together, we can build a better future for Sligo-Leitrim,” she added.
6.
Independent candidate, Des Guckian, who is actively aiming and campaigning for a Dáil seat, wishes to “defend people attacked by the system”, while actively opposing any hopes of a future coalition with Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael, if elected. The Dromod-based councillor has two previous Dáil bids under his belt, running in both 2014 and 2016. On why he decided to run again, Mr Guckian is unhappy with the central government, and how it refuses to give proper finances to the County Council to provide adequately for housing, roads, and other areas of concern. He also claims that the government interferes in development plans and budgets, but does not care about rural decline. Regarding the 2011 economic crash, Mr Guckian shared his dismay, stating, “Our Taoiseach wants to pretend that all is good now, but we and our children have been handed an enormous debt to pay - all sorts of extra taxes, charges and levies. We have a low income economy, blasted by inflation, “What I want to see is people power, like in the referendums, sweeping away those lying boasts, “Good people have got to stand up and take on those who want to destroy the freedoms our ancestors fought for,” he concluded.
7.
Sitting TD Marian Harkin was elected as an independent candidate for the Sligo-Leitrim constituency in 2020 and previously sat in the Dáil for the constituency from 2002 to 2007. A former maths teacher for 25 years at Mercy College secondary school in Sligo, she was elected to the European Parliament in 2004 and remained a MEP until 2019 when she did not seek re-election. She says a vote for her “is a vote that will make a real difference”, adding that the situation of family carers and people with disabilities has been one of the driving factors in her decision to seek re-election to the Dáil. She hopes to be in pole position to influence the formation of the new government and will use this position to champion the cause of carers, family carers and people with disabilities. “I will insist on improvements in services critical to family carers and disabled persons,” she says. “This will include abolishing the means test for the Carer’s Allowance and expanding home care and respite services to better support family carers. I will also make sure a cost-of-living disability allowance is on the agenda for the next government.” Describing childcare and eldercare in the country as in crisis, Harkin says: “The inequality in funding levels that leave private nursing homes at a distinct disadvantage when compared to public nursing homes must be addressed. Meanwhile, childcare facilities in receipt of government subvention must be allowed to operate in a way that makes them financially viable while keeping childcare costs affordable for parents.” Focussing on education Ms Harkin said she will pursue a reduced pupil-teacher ratio to align with the EU average, increased capitation grants for schools, and more support for the Atlantic Technological University (ATU). “I will also look for the reinstatement of teacher career pathways to support and retain skilled educators. “After the election on Friday, if the opinion polls are to be believed, Independents like me will be crucial to
8.
Michael Kelly is a 33 year old from Sligo town who works in a large retail outlet in town. He ran for the Irish People's Party in June’s local elections and was eliminated after the fifth count. Kelly says his two main issues are cancer services and immigration. “I love Sligo town and I care deeply about this place. I have an honest work ethic and I care deeply about the North-West,” he said in a recent social media post by the Irish Freedom Party. “I wish to improve the community on a holistic level because I believe passionately in helping others wherever I can. I decided to run in this election, as I simply could not sit back and witness the destruction of our beautiful country.”