Meet the candidates: Dympna Daly-Finn, Fine Gael (Roscommon Galway)

Here is our Q&A with Dympna Daly-Finn, who is a native of Arigna, in Roscommon. She works as an Auxiliary Nurse/Healthcare Assistant in Sligo University Hospital. This is her first time to contest a general election for Fine Gael.

When it comes to housing, why should the Irish people vote for Fine Gael candidates when they have been part of a Government which has seen homelessness rise to record levels in this country?

Fine Gael has done a lot to improve the housing situation in Ireland, with over 180,000 new houses being built since 2016, including 32,700 so far this year and the introduction of the Help to Buy scheme and Affordable Purchase scheme; We have also built 40,000 new social homes since 2016. There is still a lot to achieve an we will build 300,000 new homes over the next five years and I will stand up and ensure a fair share is built here in the Roscommon-Galway constituency.

What should be done to address the economic concerns that many people face due to the rising cost of groceries, insurance, and the rising cost of living generally?

Fine Gael put Budget supports in place to reduce the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and we will continue to look for ways to drive down energy costs and ensure inflation remains at a maximum of 2%. We have also addressed some of the costs associated with insurance payouts through the courts with the new structure to limit costs for injuries. Budget initiatives have put more money in people's pockets by increasing tax credits and increasing thresholds for people to enter the higher tax rate.

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

The provision of better access to disability and mental health services across Roscommon-Galway. I will campaign to ensure that our primary care centres are delivering services for the disabled and for mental health.

If you were marking the performance of the current Government out of 10 what would you give it, and why?

I would give the government an eight out of ten. We have full employment and a very strong economy and we have kickstarted the drive for more houses after coming from a standing position in 2012. We have managed the finances of the country very well to ensure we have that we cash reserves to secure our future. 500 people per week are receiving the keys to their new homes. We have recruited more Gardaí and will continue this in the next term.

What would you preference be in terms of a Coalition partner/partners for the lifetime of the next Government?

I would like to see Fine Gael returned to government after the next election. I am a believer in working in collaboration with others to get things across the line and achieving the best outcomes for the people of Galway-Roscommon.