Meet the candidates: Eugene Murphy, Independent (Roscommon Galway)
Here is our Q&A with Eugene Murphy, Independent candidate in the Roscommon Galway constituency. He served as a Fianna Fáil TD for the Roscommon Galway constituency from 2016-2020, after which he was elected as a Senator on the Agricultural Panel.
Do Independents have any real power to enact change in the Dail?
Yes, I believe a small group of Independents could hold the balance of power after this election and I will ensure if that situation arises there will be delivery for my constituency.
We already have a record of strong Independent representation in the Roscommon Galway constituency,
Why did you decide to run for the Dáil?
I am deeply committed to my community and my county. On this occasion, I decided to run because I felt it was a huge error by the Fianna Fáil party not to run a candidate in Co. Roscommon where 82% of the vote is. Roscommon needs strong representation to ensure adequate services and funding for our communities.
What one issue would be your top priority if you are elected to the Dáil?
It is my priority to underpin the quality of life of rural communities by supporting local business, local community initiatives and rural transport links. There are also a number of issues such as the housing crisis, which is linked to malfunction in the planning system, also the issue of migration, and the need to support farmers in what is currently a difficult environment for them. At this time unfortunately, rural crime is the most serious issue being raised on the doorsteps.
What should be done to address the economic concerns that many people face due to the rising cost of groceries, insurance etc, and the rising cost of living generally?
At government level it is absolutely vital that inflation is managed correctly. As we remember from the past, the threat of inflation could undermine our whole economy. While there might be a sense that we are awash with money, budgetary measures must be put in place to manage rising costs, to take some of the heat out of the economy, and to ensure that people are in a position to save for a rainy day.
Energy costs must also be addressed, not necessarily through subsidising bills, but by tackling the supply costs of energy.
What do you think should be done to solve the housing crisis?
From my point of view, here in Roscommon Galway, the most immediate issues are blockages with rural planning and planning objections. These are major obstacles for people seeking to build houses.
It is also urgent to increase social housing and particularly to address dereliction in our towns which is so apparent on many of our main streets.