Why vote for Áine Brady?
I would like to thank Brian (SallinsVoter. May 11th) for providing this opportunity to summarise the reasons why people in North Kildare would decide to vote for me in the General Election.
First of all, I’m backed by the local Fianna Fáil organisation in Kildare North. I live in the constituency and I have been politically active in Kildare and Fianna Fáil for many years. I was the choice of the local party organisation in the by-election of 2005. I topped the poll for Fianna Fáil in the by-election but was ultimately overtaken by vote transfers. I was then selected by the local party organisation in Kildare North to represent Fianna Fáil in the General Election. This was a highly competitive selection process and I had to prove my credentials to earn the support of the party members across the constituency. The fact that I am not a member of a county council or town council was not seen as a disadvantage and it enabled me to present a more strategic analysis of the political landscape. I can assure you that coming through the rigorous candidate selection process within Fianna Fáil is a non-trivial achievement!
Second, I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo within Fianna Fáil. My experience of running for election in 2005 gave me a deep understanding of the issues affecting individuals, families and communities during a period when Kildare North has enjoyed unprecedented economic growth and prosperity while at the same time suffering from a delay in the provision of schools, childcare, transport and other facilities that make a significant difference to people’s quality of life.
I believe that the people of Kildare North gave Fianna Fáil a wake-up call in the by-election and this was heard loud and clear by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern who quickly moved to take corrective action with a range of measures in recent Budgets and in the National Development Plan. I have very strong views, which I express to my colleagues in Fianna Fáil, about the need for politicians and planners to ensure that no future expansion of our towns and villages will happen unless adequate provision is made for the timely delivery of schools, child-care, transport and other community facilities.
Third, over the past number of years I have been the link between Kildare North and Government and I have developed excellent relationships with Ministers, Government Departments, State agencies and Kildare County Council to get things done on behalf of the people. Specifically, much progress has been made in the area of Public Transport, New Schools and Extensions to existing schools, Capital Grants for Childcare Facilities and Support of our Sports and Community Groups in North Kildare.
Fourth, I have a clear political mission. I’m committed to public service and to making a positive difference to the quality of life of the people of Kildare North through professional and vigorous representation of the peoples’ interests in Dail Eireann. If the people of Kildare North give me this mandate, I will carry it out guided by the principles of careful listening to individuals and communities, respect for different viewpoints, adherence to the highest ethical standards, decisive action and strong leadership.
Fifth, I have decided to focus on quality of life issues. In order to make a positive difference to the quality of life for the people of Kildare North, I decided to give priority to four policy areas as follows:
• Children and schools
• Community Facilities
• Transport
• Health services
• The environment
The feedback from the hundreds of people that I have met in my work on the ground in Kildare North indicates that these issues are important to a large number of individuals and families. I believe that by focusing on specific key issues I will deliver better results for the people. In contrast, politicians who have long shopping lists of objectives have no objectives at all!
Sixth, apart from my work in the political arena, I have a track record of getting things done in the community and voluntary sectors. For example, my work as a teacher in Celbridge has brought me into contact with a wide variety of organisations and interests groups and I believe that I have helped to address issues in a low-key but effective manner.
Seventh, I am passionate about politics and serving the public and I believe that my work-rate and high energy levels will enable me to be an effective representative for the people of Kildare North. I can assure you that if elected I will work hard to earn Ministerial recognition so that I can help to deliver practical and tangible benefits to Kildare North over the medium to longer term.
In general, voters decide to favour one candidate over another by considering the credentials of the political party in question, local issues and the personal qualities of the candiditate. I hope the above comments will help Brian and other undecided voters to make up their minds as we move closer to polling day on May 24th.
Áine
May 14th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
[…] should anyone in North Kildare vote for Aine Brady? The simplest questions are always the hardest to answer. Aine, however, has given eight reasons in […]
May 21st, 2007 at 11:49 am
Thanks for the response Aine,
Sorry but I cant reconcile the fact that you are “committed to public service” (point 4), “hundreds of people that I have met in my work on the ground in Kildare North” (what “work on the ground”? point 5), “I am passionate about politics and serving the public” (point 7) with the fact that you are not and havent been a member of the county council or any town council in County Kildare. I do support the present government, but wasnt sure if I’d give my #1 to yourself or Micheal, but I think I’ll vote for Micheal are you the #2.
Again, thanks for the reply,
Brian
May 31st, 2007 at 11:32 am
Well Done Aine, Delighted to hear of your success!!!