Meet the candidates: Paul Hogan, Independent Ireland (Longford Westmeath)

Here is our Q&A with Athlone native Paul Hogan. He is a candidate for Independent Ireland in the Longford Westmeath constituency, having won a county council seat with the party in June.

Why did you decide to run for a Dáil seat with Independent Ireland?

The people of this constituency deserve a strong voice in the Dáil to represent them, a voice that will stand up for people, and who will not bend to vested interests.

I narrowly missed out on a Dáil seat in 2016, and I believe people are longing for a strong, articulate and leading voice to stand up on the everyday issues that affect them.

I believe I am the strongest candidate on the ballot paper. My actions speak louder than words. I want to continue my record of delivery for all in this constituency of Longford and Westmeath.

What would your party do to solve the housing crisis?

We believe that housing needs to be declared an emergency. Independent Ireland has an appraised, costed and comprehensive plan to make housing affordable, increasing supply, eradicating homelessness, supporting those in rented accommodation, improving substandard accommodation, and making home ownership a reality for people. We would also reduce the VAT rate for construction materials and streamline planning to assist and speed up the delivery of housing.

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

If the last Dáil has shown us anything, it has shown us the influence of the Green Party, which many would consider to be a small party. We have all experienced their influence in terms of what I would consider to be anti-rural Ireland initiatives, increased taxes, immigration issues and the detrimental affects on agriculture, particularly on the suckler herd. If elected to govern, Independent Ireland will work to overturn these draconian measures.

If serving on the opposition benches, Independent Ireland will be a strong voice in holding the Government to account.

What would be some of your priorities for this area if you are elected?

Housing is a multi-faceted issue in Athlone and South Westmeath and needs an urgent response. We also have the proposed development of an IPAS centre for up to 1,000 single adult males in Lissywollen. The cost of living is affecting families and businesses and needs to be addressed. The lack of investment in healthcare, child care, carers and social care services such as Family Resource Centres, disability services, mental health, older people and young people are also big issues in this area.

How do you rate your chances of taking a seat?

I want to thank everyone for the hospitality shown to me and my teams. I believe people are looking for a strong voice and my message and vision are resonating well with people on the doors. But it is impossible to get to every door in this three-week campaign. The people are sovereign and they will ultimately decide who they want to represent them.