Liam McDaniel (Fianna Fáil), 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.

NAME: Liam McDaniel

ADDRESS: Toarlisnamore, Ballinagore, Kilbeggan

PARTY: Fianna Fáil

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Sport and education. I served as Chairperson of Ballinagore GAA, secretary of Lilliput Gaels underage club and played football with Kilbeggan Shamrocks and Westmeath. I refereed GAA football for many years including the 1998 senior football final. I currently serve as director of South Westmeath Employment Education & Training Services (SWEETS) in Kilbeggan.

I have just completed a term on the Board of Management of Ballinagore National School.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I was co-opted by Fianna Fáil onto Westmeath County Council in 2016 and subsequently re-elected at the local elections in 2019. I always had an interest in helping and serving the local community and seeking improvements in local services.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

I see the provision of housing and support for the elderly and farming community as the major issues in the district.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

My late mother May McDaniel whose advice I always valued.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am a distant cousin of well-known singer and former Boyzone star Ronan Keating.