Former Fine Gael councillor declares General Election bid in Laois

Aisling Moran has declared as the latest independent candidate for the forthcoming general election in Laois.

The outspoken former Fine Gael councillor for the Graiguecullen-Portarlington area declared after being encouraged to run by the amount of offers of support she received right across the county.

The councillor, who is based in east Laois who left Fine Gael over accountability, said she was not running as a protest candidate but rather to give the electorate in Laois a real choice, an alternative voice, and a credible option for change.

“I don’t believe anyone is entitled to a Dáil seat and I put the public interest ahead of any personal ambition or party loyalties, that’s why I am an independent. People talk a lot about change and wanting change. Well, if you want change, you must vote for it, and change starts here,” she said.

Cllr Moran, whose father John ran for Fine Gael in 2011 and was a councillor for many years, highlighted waste of money as an election issue.

“There has been a woeful waste of the taxpayer’s money. The Children’s Hospital costs quadrupling, and the infamous Dáil bicycle shed are just two examples, the tip of the iceberg, but no one is ever held to account.

“Who signed off on the Children’s Hospital, the current Taoiseach, Simon Harris, who wants to pretend that everything is honky dory and buy off the electorate with a splurge of double-week payments?

“Meanwhile, businesses are going to the wall, the cost of living is gone through the roof, the housing crises just gets worse and the waiting lists and pressure on the health service and frontline staff are more acute than ever, while our young people once they qualify are voting with their feet and emigrating in their droves. Not a sausage in the Budget for our students or to help retain and recruit crucial staff such as nurses, guards, and teachers.

“I have solutions and a vision for a better way, and a safer more secure, more sustainable society. Yet, when you try to put forward these views, ask the hard questions the government parties circle the wagons and attempt to bully you into backing off. Well, I won’t be silenced or deterred and will continue to always serve the public interest rather than the vested interests.

“I am humbled and grateful for the fantastic support I received in my own community in the local elections earlier this year and the general election provides a great opportunity for Laois to shake up the cosy consensus and the same old, some old and put an independent woman in the Dáil who will put people first. Independents will have a big say in the formation of the next government and I want Laois to have a strong voice at that table,” Cllr Moran concluded.

Cllr Moran’s Director of Elections is Charlie O’Meara and her Campaign Manager is Gavin Deering.

Her official campaign launch will take place in Christy Farrell’s, Killeen at 8pm on Saturday, November 9th. Everyone who would like to support Aisling’s campaign is welcome.