Elaine Mullally: Championing Housing, Community, and Change for Laois

Elaine Mullally, from Portarlington, Laois, is a mother to two young women, aged 20 and 21, and has lived her entire life in the county. Her journey into politics began over a year ago, sparked by a heartfelt question she asked her husband Aidan one morning. Looking out her kitchen window, she wondered if they could fit log cabins in the garden, asking, “Where will the girls ever live?” That question marked a turning point, motivating Elaine to take action and address the housing crisis directly.

Elaine believes Ireland is losing an entire generation to emigration, not because of a lack of jobs, but due to the severe shortage of affordable housing. “Our highly educated Irish are not leaving because of a lack of jobs,” she explains. “They’re leaving because there’s nowhere to live.” Since she began her campaign, Elaine has met countless parents and grandparents who share her concerns, many of whom are saddened to see their adult children and grandchildren, even in their thirties and forties, unable to afford homes of their own.

Elaine’s campaign calls for a major increase in housing construction, arguing that planning delays, regulations, and land zoning issues are stalling much-needed developments. High property prices have also left “affordable” homes out of reach for many. In response, Elaine advocates for a broader housing mix, including smaller, two-bedroom homes to better serve those who are single, divorced, or looking for practical living options.

Right from the start, Elaine chose a unique approach to engage with the people of Laois. Instead of announcing her own priorities, she organised a series of seven public “listening tours” across the county in September, providing an open forum where residents could express their concerns directly. “It became clear from the first meeting,” she recalls, “that there was a huge issue with autism services in the county.” This issue continued to dominate the discussions, with many parents voicing frustration over limited resources for children with special needs.

In response, Elaine founded an Autism Taskforce for Laois. This taskforce aims to provide parents with a “roadmap” for navigating autism services. The initial step is a guide for parents who suspect developmental delays in their children, and following diagnosis, the taskforce will help families understand available services, entitlements, and support networks. Through this initiative, Elaine hopes to fill gaps in the system and offer families practical assistance.

Immigration also arose as a significant topic in Elaine’s listening tours, and it remains a key issue on the doorstep. Elaine notes that many residents feel hesitant to speak up about their concerns, fearing judgment. She believes, however, that these concerns are genuine, grounded in the everyday struggles people face. “At this moment, we need to reduce immigration into the country,” she says. “Our housing and healthcare systems are struggling; people can’t access their GP or dentist.” Elaine clarifies that this stance isn’t anti-immigrant; many immigrants have made invaluable contributions to Laois and Ireland. However, she believes current levels are unsustainable. “I’ve always felt we can only give what we have, and at this moment, we don’t have housing, GPs, school places, or the infrastructure to support such growth.” Elaine’s candidacy is also a chance to make history in Laois. The county hasn’t had an Independent TD since Oliver J. Flanagan, who later joined Fine Gael, nor has it ever had a female TD. “When we were Laois-Offaly, all our female TDs were Offaly-based,” she points out, underscoring the importance of breaking new ground.

Elaine’s message to Laois voters is simple but powerful. She believes in “More for Laois” and insists that real change requires action. “People shouldn’t just hope for change,” she says. “They need to vote for it.” With her fresh approach to housing, community issues, and a commitment to listening, Elaine Mullally is setting the stage for a new era in Laois politics—one where the needs of the community, from housing to healthcare and special needs services, come first.

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