Aengus O'Rourke (Fianna Fáil), Athlone

We sent a questionnaire to all 11 candidates running in the Athlone Electoral Area in the forthcoming Westmeath County Council election. The responses were published in print in the current edition of the Westmeath Independent.

NAME: Aengus O'Rourke

ADDRESS: Barrybeg, Roscommon Road, Athlone.

PARTY: Fianna Fáil

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

The further development of Athlone through State and private investment is a key objective of mine. Athlone already has an impressive reputation as a place to do business, visit, work, live, study and socialise. But we need to continually work on that reputation, seek out investment opportunities, and ensure Athlone competes with the other cities in Ireland.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I feel I have achieved a lot for the town of Athlone and for South Westmeath in the past 10 years as a county councillor. I believe I still have a lot to contribute at a local and national level if the opportunity presents itself. I am firmly of the belief that Athlone needs a new resident TD.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Housing and Immigration. Thankfully with almost 1,600 houses in the pipeline for Athlone, we should begin to see some real progress in the area of housing by the end of 2025.

In terms of immigration, the Government was too slow to cap the benefits of those coming into the country, and was too slow to respond to the influx of men seeking asylum travelling through Northern Ireland. The response by the Irish people in supporting those fleeing war in Ukraine has been amazing, but the absence of a coherent, meaningful plan by the State has been disappointing.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

My mother, Mary O'Rourke. I am reminded everywhere I go about the great job she did as a councillor, TD, and Minister. She has always been my greatest supporter and I hers.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:

Three things: I have a Springer Spaniel called 'Riley', I am the only Sheffield Wednesday FC supporter in Athlone, and I am learning to play the drums.