Meet the candidates: Gerry Warnock, Independent (Longford Westmeath)

Here is our Q&A with Gerry Warnock, Independent candidate in the Longford Westmeath constituency. He served as a member of Longford County Council from 2011 to the last local election. He served as Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council from June 2015 to June 2016. He lives in Longford with his wife and children.

What should be done to address the economic concerns that many people face due to the rising costs of groceries, insurance, etc?

On top of the supports mentioned above, we need to look at the tremendously high energy costs in the jurisdiction. This is the catalyst for the high cost of living we are currently experiencing as it impacts the entire supply chain for goods and services. Electricity prices in Ireland are some of the highest in the EU, with the energy companies making record profits. Unless this issue is attended to, we will continue to see prices climb.

Would you be interested in doing a deal with larger parties and other Independents to form a new government?

I will work with all parties and none to progress pertinent issues within the constituency, but as a principle I cannot see myself going into government with any of the main parties. This government, in my view, has been the worst government in the history of the state. If elected, I intend to remain in constructive opposition where I will support the government if it’s in the genuine public interest, and vehemently oppose them if it’s not.

What one issue would be your top priority if you are elected to the Dáil?

We need actual balanced regional development in the Midlands, with Athlone assuming the position of Regional Growth Centre. This was the vision of the Ireland 2040 Plan, but momentum seems to have died on the vine since Covid and we need to get back on track. We need to build local healthcare centres in all principal towns to cater for Outpatient Appointment and Minor Injuries. Garda numbers need to be increased to allow for appropriate visibility and responsiveness. We need to reestablish Town Councils for towns with a population of over 10k people.

Do Independents have any real power to enact change in the Dáil?

Independents have proven to be the voice of common sense. They are not tempered by party loyalty and have the freedom to identify the real issues effecting ordinary people and represent those views minus the spin.

The nature of being an Independent is that you must fight that bit harder than party candidates to get into a position of influence, and that work ethic keeps you grounded and focused on the job at hand. We have seen earlier in the year with the disastrous and unwanted referendums, that the Independents got the temperature of the public right, while the government parties and main opposition party got it very wrong.