Cork East
1) Why are you running? 2) If elected, what are you hoping to achieve? 3) Dead or alive, who is your political hero?
Conor Hannon, Aontú
1. I decided to run for the General Election as I am disappointed and disillusioned with the direction politics has taken in recent years. My party, Aontú, was launched just a year ago and I fully support the three pillars of the party being life, unity and economic justice. I am encouraged that Aontú are providing a voice for people who feel that they are not represented in our Dáil. I felt I could no longer stand on the sidelines and do nothing, and while I see the desperate need for change, I am realistic about the challenges facing this country.
2. I have always felt the need for an improvement in the work-life balance for all as I believe it contributes to good mental health. At a community level also, many people would like to volunteer in their local communities but are unable to do so because of long working hours, and I believe a better work-life balance will benefit everyone. In turn this would lend itself to more vibrant communities within our towns and villages. The housing and homelessness crisis appears to be getting worse rather than better. We need to get the councils back into the social housing projects and not leave it all to the private sector. In relation to Cork East, we have ongoing delays with infrastructural projects like the Limerick-Cork motorway and the upgrading of the Dunkettle junction which appear to be stalled.
3. I would have to say John Hume.
Shane O'Grady, Independent
1. I am running because I feel that more can be done. More of a presence can be shown to the people in our own area. Certain things made me want to run myself, for example the homeless situation, crime and healthcare and I just feel that maybe I could offer something a bit better and try and get things done
2. I’d love to get the homeless off the street. I don’t want to see anybody sleep rough and I’d like to improve healthcare and get rid of hospital waiting lists and I want victims of crime to know that justice will be got for them.
3. I admire Roy Keane, I know he is not everyone's cup of tea but he speaks his mind and calls a spade a spade, there is no grey area with him - it's either a yes or no, it's either being done right or not done right. Once he puts his mind to something he will achieve what he wants and I admire him for that.