Laois independent wants to be first Laois woman to win Dáil seat

A Portarlington woman has added her gender as another reason why Laois people to Leinster House as their TD at the General Election in a race that's been blown apart by the Brian Stanley controversy.

Elaine Mullally, an Independent candidate for Laois, says she is on the path to make history as the first female TD ever elected from the county. While women have represented Laois-Offaly in the past, she says no female TD has ever come from Laois.

"When the constituency was Laois-Offaly all our female TDs were Offaly based, we've actually never had a woman from Laois in Dáil Éireann" said Ms Mullally.

She insists that she is determined to change that by what what she describes "offering a fresh perspective and a commitment" to delivering real results for the people of Laois.

A mother of two daughters, aged 20 and 21, Ms Mullally says she also owns the well-loved Clown Around Play Centre in Portarlington. She adds that she has deep ties to the local community and understanding of the challenges facing families in the area drive her campaign.

The former member of Indpendent Ireland insists that she will bring common "sense back into politics". She says she is dedicated to ensuring that Laois receives the attention and resources it has long been denied.

“For too long, Laois has been overlooked. I am running to make sure that changes. I believe in listening to the needs of our community and delivering real solutions that will make a difference in people’s lives," she said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Outgoing Laois Offaly TDs Charlie Flanagan, retiring, Carol Nolan, running in Offaly, Brian Stanley, not yet declared, Barry Cowen, now an MEP, Sean Fleming, running in Laois. Pic: Alf Harvey

Canvasing around the county, she claims that her message is resonating with voters eager for a new approach in politics. As the election draws near, she said she is focused on being a strong voice for Laois, determined to bring about the positive change her community deserves.

Ms Mullally is contesting for one of three seats in the new Dáil constituency. Her base around Port has moved back from Kildare South since the last General Election.

She is just one of five candidates declared. The favourites are the sitting TD Seán Fleming of Fianna Fáil and Cllr Willie Aird of Fine Gael.

Brian Stanley was a favourite until he ran into controversy which led to his resignation from Sinn Féin. He has yet to declare if he will be a candidate. 

The other candidates in the race are Rosie Palmer of the Greens and Mary Hand of Aontú.