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Monday 22 February 2016

The People I DON'T Meet Everyday.


I should change the name of this blog, exclusively, for the next few days. I have lived in Swords since 1997, and NOT ONE politician, councillor or election candidate has EVER darkened my door.

Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF)
Dr. James Reilly TD (FG)
Do I feel well represented by my local TD's? Honestly, I don't. I am not important enough to them. So maybe it's about time, I became relevant.

They haven't spoken for me because they have never taken the time to speak to me. This morning, I will let all fifteen candidates know who I am. As it isn't a good idea to ignore an educated member of the electorate.

Brendan Ryan TD (LAB)
The vast majority of them don't live in the same realm of the middle class. Some will portray that they do, so that they exist in the same circumstances as you. I simply work to pay bills.
Roslyn Fuller (IND)

I earn a decent wage, but a huge quantity pays taxes, utilities, direct debits and puts food in the fridge. There is very little left over in my bank account. I even went on Primetime last week to talk about how the lack of childcare and school places in Swords will have in the near future as the young population is growing exponentially. This is relevant to us as it may impact our young son, Harry.
Alan Farrell TD (FG)
Dr. Gerry Molloy (RENUA)

I have not had a wage increase since 2007. It feels like I'm living in a pay freeze. The company I work for, has had its own troubles since 2001. Various working agreements cut conditions in a move to lower its cost base. We understood the situation and realised that everyone would have to part shoulder the financial burden.

Since 2007 though, my take home pay has decreased by over 10%. I am now working 30% more for less wages. My pension has been decimated massively due to the economic downturn and bad investments. My contributions for 17 years were almost worthless.
Terry Kelleher (AAA-PBP)

Joe O'Brien (Green)
For those begrudgers who say "you're lucky to have a job"- I say this - I work damn hard at what I do and I am excellent at what I do. If people think they can do a better job than me, I would like to see them try.

Is the country getting back on it's feet? Maybe so, but I am seeing no return in my pocket. If anything, in the past ten years I am paying more taxes. In 2006, I wasn't paying property tax. Or the national embarrassment that is water tax. My car tax was lower. My car and home insurance was at a much lower rate. I was paying less PRSI and PAYE tax direct to the national coffers.
Darragh O'Brien (FF)

Marcus De Brun (IND)
The cost of living is back on the increase, yet I feel stuck. Do I see light at the end of the tunnel? No, I don't. The traditional parties spout the usual playground tit-for-tat "my policies are better than yours" nonsense, but it leaves me even more disillusioned. Any basic understanding of non-verbal communication reveals their disdain for each other and more importantly, us, as an electorate.

On Friday 26th February next, the Irish people go to the polls to cast their vote and more importantly, express their displeasure of the current state of affairs in this country.

Louise O'Reilly (SF)
Clare Daly TD (IND)
I have never gotten as involved in any election as much as this one previously. I have absorbed as much as I possibly can each day. I have watched many news reports, online outlets and terrestrial streams. I am current with most policies of many parties, especially those that pertain to my family.

I have never been so convinced about how important our votes are next Friday. I don't know which way I will vote and there is still time for the candidates to sway me.

This morning, I will give them a chance.

Tony Murphy (IND)
Barry Martin (AAA-PBP)
In this current world of social media, I will take my issues to them. I will inform all fifteen, what affects my family and what they intend to do about it. I will bombard all candidates via email, Facebook and Twitter with my concerns. I will also leave them a contact number, just to see if any avenue is taken by any candidate, to get in touch.

I will give them four days to allay my concerns.

Otherwise, I will inform my many friends on Facebook (1,342 - many of whom registered to vote in Dublin North) and Twitter (3,421 followers) on Thursday evening, about who has been proactive. Or totally inactive. The choice is theirs.



*No image available for Fergal O'Connell (IND).














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