John Lawlor (Sinn Féin), Moate

We sent a questionnaire to all 8 candidates running in the Moate Electoral Area in the forthcoming Westmeath County Council election. The responses were published in print in the Westmeath Independent last Wednesday.

ADDRESS: Ballinalack, Mullingar.

PARTY: Sinn Féin

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

As a youth support worker, I lobby on behalf of young people to help provide them with greater independence. Watching these young people tackle their challenges inspires me to be the best support worker and community servant I can.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

Local community is both a professional and voluntary passion of mine. Being a local councillor would mean that I could provide greater outreach and facilitate much-needed change.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Housing: A lack of available homes has led to extortionate pricing, which has left people out of both the buying and rental markets.

Equal access to education and healthcare: Early intervention for all age groups is a priority. I hope to provide a bridge between communities and the support services. Another big issue is better infrastructure and public transport for small towns, villages and rural areas.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

The people I most admire are the young adults I work with. They get on with life despite the many obstacles they encounter on a daily basis.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:

I have been living in Westmeath for the last 26 years. I'm married with one daughter, three sons, and two grandsons.

I worked in construction most of my life, but have since retrained as a healthcare worker. I have enjoyed working in this role for the past ten years in the Westmeath - Longford area.