Another candidate enters the general election race in Laois

Portlaoise man Jason Lynch signed the nomination papers in Portlaoise Court House on Friday and will be contesting the election as an Independent candidate.

Mr Lynch in his announcement on his social media sites said he will be relying solely on social media to campaign.

He said: “Just before Covid the country wasn’t in a great state then. We just lost sight of that at the time. It’s not gotten any better. Our so called public representatives just haven’t done enough.

“Insanity is sometimes described as doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. Somehow Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael got themselves back in again. Change is not going to come from these two parties being in government again. Change will begin when new candidates with different mindsets are given an opportunity to change the direction of this country.” 

“So after much though and consideration,” said Mr Lynch, “I have decided to run in upcoming general election as an Independent candidate.

“I have always had an interest in getting involved in politics. I am running as an independent as I feel this is how I can best represent the people of Laois. Those that know me know that I believe in what is right.” He said: “The people of Ireland and in particular those in Laois deserve to be represented by a strong voice and I can be that for you.

“We have a whole generation currently locked out of home ownership. If things continue in the same manner generation after generation will also continue to be locked out of it.” Mr Lynch pointed out that he too like many others has been affected by many of the current problems facing the country.

He said he has been affected the housing crisis and the cost of living crisis.

Mr Lynch said: “I work on the frontline and deal with members of the public from all walks of life.

“I am in hospitals up and down the length of the country and I see the challenges faced in the healthcare sector, from overcrowding, under resourcing and underfunding. We can and should be doing better in many different sectors. I can be your voice.” 

He said: “I will do my best to canvas. But I will be relying solely on the power of social media. I will get out to canvas but as mentioned I currently work on the front line so my time is limited. So with two weeks to go let’s get the beginning of change to start now. As one man said Fianna Fail/Fine Gael your time is up and the people’s time is now.” 

 “I will be a very strong voice for Laois. For those of you that don’t know me, I would be quite vocal. I like to get my point across when I know I am right and I think there needs to be somebody strong like that in Government,” said Mr Lynch.

Ahead of the deadline for nominations to contest the general election at 12 noon on Saturday 16 November there are now four non-party/Independent candidates contesting in the three-seat Laois constituency – Jason Lynch, Elaine Mullally, Aisling Moran and Brian Stanley. They are joined by Sean Fleming and Austin Stack (Fianna Fáil), Willie Aird (Fine Gael), Mary Hand (Aontú), Maria McCormack (Sinn Féin) Ken Mooney (People Before Profit) and Rosie Palmer (Green Party).

Candidates may withdraw their nominations up to 12 noon on Monday 18 November 2024.