Paul Hogan (Independent Ireland), Athlone

We sent a questionnaire to all 11 candidates running in the Athlone Electoral Area in the forthcoming Westmeath County Council election. The responses were published in print in the current edition of the Westmeath Independent.

NAME: Paul Hogan

ADDRESS: Retreat Park, Athlone.

PARTY: Independent Ireland

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Housing, community grants, planning, welfare.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I am running to continue to effect change in the local community.

I am also running to ensure that we have the strongest possible team of councillors returned to Westmeath County Council.

I am not afraid to stand up on behalf of people, and I am recognised as one of the hardest working elected representatives in the county.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Housing and immigration.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

James Connolly. He stood up for what he believed in. He fought for better housing conditions, workers rights, and a united Ireland.

He was one of the seven executed leaders of the 1916 Rising.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:

I was one of the last to be born in the maternity unit in St Vincent's Hospital, Athlone.

NOTE: Paul Hogan is also running in the Moate area, and his answers are therefore included in that section too.