Laois Local Election Q & A: Time to get back to basics in Portlaoise

What are my priorities?
Housing, housing and housing in that order! It’s affecting all families, even those with homes, have young adult children ‘stuck’ at home, or forced to look at the emigration option. Young people in good jobs can't afford a home, it’s demoralising. I said at my campaign launch that Councils have to get back to basics of directly providing housing, providing services and not just farming out that responsibility. This week’s report by the Housing Commission, the Government’s own authority established the need for 256,000 new homes, that says it all, it makes clear that current policies are simply not working, it’s soul destroying, especially for young people and young families.

What is the biggest issue facing your area?
Housing and high rents remain a big issue in Portlaoise, along with concerns around access to healthcare, waiting lists, medical appointments and even getting a GP – again it’s a staff retention and recruitment issue for nurses and frontline staff. I believe that we have to keep pace with demand for school places and facilities such as a multi-purpose sports complex – it’s doable, if the Council champion it and there’s the political will, but first we must identify and secure a suitable site.

Why do you think you would make a good County Councillor?
I don’t see myself as a politician, but rather a community person, a good listener who cares. For Noel and now for me being a councillor is an extension of our community involvement over the years which we have always been invested in.

Marie Tuohy is a candidate in the Portlaoise Municipal District where seven councillors will be elected. In the lead up to polling day on June 7 we will be featuring profiles on all 47 candidates vying for a seat on Laois County Council.