Kildare councillor says he welcomes ‘unprecedented’ number of candidates for Sinn Féin

The number of candidates for Sinn Féin in County Kildare has been welcomed by a local representative.

Cllr Noel Connolly, Sinn Féin’s sole-elected representative on Kildare County Council, has welcomed the announcement of what he calls 'an unprecedented number of candidates for Sinn Féin in Kildare.'

Speaking at his office on Claregate Street in Kildare town, Cllr Connolly said: "I am really excited with the announcement that Sinn Féin are running such a large number of candidates in the local election which will take place on June 7 next year.

"It reflects the ambitious plans that we have to shake up the cosy cartel of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that has dominated local government in Kildare, and indeed throughout the state, over the last century."

The Monasterevin-based politician continued: "My experience over the last four years has been that these parties have presided over unnecessary bureaucracy and significant delays in service delivery and this needs to change.

"In my time on the council, I have brought a number of motions to full council with progressive ideas that have either received little support, or were sent to a talking shop to quietly wither away."

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Cllr Connolly further said: "The housing crisis is not being taken seriously, dereliction and vacancy has been tolerated on the streets of our towns and villages for far too long.

"Addressing this represents our fastest, least-expensive and most climate-friendly opportunity to provide badly needed homes for the almost 7,000 people on the housing list in Kildare, and also in delivering affordable homes for rent and purchase."

Commenting on the subject of climate change and management, Cllr Connolly said: "There have been far too many platitudes, we need urgent action to ensure real action, and a just transition for all.

"As the lead authority for our region, Kildare can play a significant part in addressing the crisis we now face. We must support our most vulnerable citizens while ensuring everyone plays their part.

"I am delighted that we have such a diverse and committed group of candidates, who are passionate about making their local area a safer, more sustainable place for all.

"This notable surge in participation underscores the depth of commitment and support for our party's vision within the local community.

"It is a testament to our dedication to addressing the concerns and aspirations of the people of Kildare."

"Our citizens need a more transparent and open council, we need to move away from the system of local administration of central government policy, and move towards local democracy; make the change for a better Kildare," Cllr Connolly concluded.