Maeve Reynolds outlines the issues raised with her
Fine Gael candidate hopes to advocate pressing issues in Leitrim on a local and national level
Fine Gael candidate for Carrick-on-Shannon, Maeve Reynolds has outlined the issues raised with her during canvassing on this election campaign.
Primarily the issues of childcare, housing and improved public services are the main issues being raised on the doorstep.
Maeve commented: “During the election campaign, I was very lucky to meet many wonderful people who are the beating heart of our local communities.
“There was a lot of engagement and meaningful discussion about the many issues that face people on a day-to-day basis. I would like to thank people for taking the time to talk to me and the courtesy shown to me and my campaign team.
“It was great to see the amazing work done by so many people working on a voluntary basis in some of the many community groups across our beautiful county.”
“With my focus being on childcare, it was one of the biggest talking points during our canvass on so many doorsteps. Parents are stressed trying to find places, employers are crying out to get staff back after taking time off and childcare providers are struggling with additional regulations being asked of them without meaningful reimbursement.
“If elected to Leitrim County Council, I hope to address this at a local level, but also lobby at national government level to bridge the gap between policy and the reality on the ground.”
Maeve added: “Housing was also a big issue, most notably how the next generation will be able to afford their own home, get planning permission on their own land, or to be able to come home after some travelling to settle back home.
“This is something I feel strongly about, and I intend to stand up for our young people so that they can live in our beautiful county.
“Only a few years ago, there was mass emigration. So many of our young people left Leitrim because they had to. Now we have a growing population, and services and facilities have not had the chance to grow to meet the demand of the population that we are so grateful to have.
“I will advocate for better facilities for all ages and stages of life, to adapt to our growing population in the Carrick-on-Shannon Electoral Area.”
The decline of business in the heart of towns and villages also came up regularly, Maeve commented.
“It is a very difficult time for small businesses to absorb all the changes that have come their way recently, like the increase in minimum wage, extra bank holidays and rising costs.
“We want to encourage and support businesses, especially on our main streets, to keep our rural towns and villages thriving hubs of activity.
“Farmers are also struggling this year due to persistent bad weather and poor ground conditions. I definitely won’t be able to do anything about the weather, but I will be a strong voice for farmers. They are such an integral part of our community and we need to ensure their survival too, for the good of all rural Ireland.
“Hearing about the daily struggles people face to secure services for their vulnerable family members was deeply moving,” Maeve explained.
There were many issues raised from GP services, to essential services for people with all sorts of additional needs.
“I am committed to being a strong advocate for those who tirelessly fight for themselves or their loved ones and will explore every possible avenue to provide the support they need.”
Maeve concluded: “I want to offer a fresh perspective and I want to be your voice on Leitrim County Council and ensure that all voices in this Municipal District and the wider county are heard.
“If elected, I will work tirelessly on your behalf. I want Leitrim to be the best place for my children to grow, thrive, develop and settle too.
“I would ask for your best preference vote on Friday so I can get elected and work hard for our community.”