Meet the candidates: Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Independent, (Longford Westmeath)

Here is our Q&A with Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, who is running as an Independent candidate in the Longford Westmeath constituency. A former TD from Athlone, he is hoping to regain the Dáil seat he lost in the general election in 2020.

Why did you decide to run for the Dáil again?

I have unfinished business. People know the work I've done before, in terms of things like university status for the college, the Athlone Garda station redevelopment, flood walls, and the new community nursing unit in Clonbrusk. I've also brought bills through the Dáil, which not many Independents have done, like the Keeping People in the Homes Bill that is widely used in courts today. I believe that I have a lot more to offer. I have the hunger for it and I have the constituency at heart.

When you were in Government there was a perception you didn't stand fully behind the Army locally. Do you have regrets about any of your actions as a TD?

We all make mistakes in public life, but when I campaigned in the local elections I explained things to people on the doorsteps, and they know where I stand. I come from a Garrison town. I have family in the Army. I would do nothing against the Army, and I would reach out to those people and ask them to put their faith in me, because we need a TD in the town.

What would be your main priorities if elected?

One thing that's coming up is (removing) the means test for carers. That has to happen. Housing is the biggest issue, and small builders are so frustrated with the bureaucracy and red tape involved in building houses. Health is big priority, education is a big priority, and also immigration.

I am as annoyed with the Government as anyone in terms of what they have done (in Lissywollen). They informed us and then they had the machines move on site, without any consultation. They can't give us any guarantees on healthcare (for the asylum seekers) and they can't give us any guarantees on Gardai. I put that down to a failure of Government.

Putting 1,000 males in tents in the middle of a field is absolutely crazy, and if elected to Dáil Eireann I will be looking to close that centre. We can't be allowing these centres to open up without the proper facilities for the people in them and also without any consultation with the local people. This has caused huge friction in the community, and it has divided people. If I'm elected to Dáil Eireann I will start on day one to try and put it right.

How do you rate your chances of being elected?

That's down to the people. But Athlone needs a TD, and if we don't have a TD we don't have a voice. I think we've been left in the doldrums for the last four years, without a TD, and I hope that people will put their faith in me and elect 'Boxer' Moran.