Brian Stanley to contest general election in Laois
Deputy Brian Stanley said that if elected he would pledge 100% commitment to serving the people of Laois' interests and campaign for a fairer society
PORTLAOISE based TD Brian Stanley has announced his intention to contest the forthcoming general election in the Laois constituency as an Independent Republican candidate.
His announcement, in a statement to the press late on Wednesday night 30 November, comes three weeks after his resignation from Sinn Féin.
Deputy Stanley said: “Having been out around the county over the past three weeks, I have been encouraged by countless people, from various backgrounds, to put my name forward as an Independent and who have pledged their support. I have also received commitments of assistance with campaigning from people in all areas, including those who have resigned from Sinn Féin.
“I will be standing on a platform of progressive republican policies and if elected will be working to, improve public services, protect workers and families and address the housing crisis.”
Setting out some of his priorities for Laois, if elected, he said that he would continue to press for new schemes of affordable homes to purchase and rent, along with social housing. Effective rent controls "to stop runaway rents" in the private rental market. Further investment in Portlaoise, Abbeyleix and Mountmellick Hospitals, a Primary Care Centre in Portlaoise and new and upgraded of local health centres in Mountrath, Borris-in-Ossory, Rathdowney and Graiguecullen.
He also said he could continue to look for improved access to disability services and improvements in the Child, Disabilities Network Teams. Ensure a just transition with proper financial supports for farmers and householders to enable them to reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Other issues that he said he would continue campaigning for include more investments in new schools and the provision of extra classroom accommodation where needed. Supporting the expansion of the childcare sector and for Portarlington and Mountmellick Flood Relief Schemes to be put in place in a shorter timeframe.
Deputy Stanley said: “To the best of my ability, I will use the experience gained over 12 years as a councillor and almost 14 years as a TD, to represent the interests of the people of Laois in the Dáil. I pledge 100% commitment to serving their interests and to campaigning for a fairer society.
