Laois Constituency: 3 seats - Meet the 12 candidates 

Name: Aisling Moran Party:

Independent Occupation:

Self-employed businesswoman 

Why vote for me:

I honestly believe I am the best-placed candidate to win that third seat, a genuine Independent with a proven track record and one that speak up for people and families, for workers, for small businesses, for rural communities.

To shake up the smug, cosy consensus of the same old same old that exists in Laois and nationally. This government’s policies have failed, they will continue to fail, but I am offering solutions, alternative policies, a better way.

At present, people are working to standstill, working for nothing at the end of the week for themselves other than to pay their bills – the sky-rocketing costs of living, costs of home heating, costs of childcare, costs of doing business, costs of filing up the tank in your car, 60% of which goes in tax to this government, which they then squander without any accountability.

Laois needs a new representative in the Dáil and Independents have proven they can make a difference. I have the fantastic backing and support of three other Independent councillors in Laois – Ben Brennan from Crettyard, James Kelly from Mountrath and Tommy Mulligan. That’s a formidable support base and they are calling on their supporters to vote number one for me.

Top priority: Everyone has their own concerns, but there’s no getting away from the burden of the costs of living and skyrocketing prices for everything.

The housing shortage and high rents, now hitting €2,000 per month here in Laois, are a huge worry for so many people locked out of the housing market and trying to make ends meet. I am offering innovative and practical solutions to address these issues.

The health service is in disarray. I am astonished that the government has the neck to talk about its achievements in health – tell that to the nurses on the frontline, or should I say the firing line; tell that to someone looking for supports for autistic children or elderly parents waiting for home help; tell that to someone waiting for hours on end in Portlaoise A&E; tell that to someone looking for a GP at the weekend or mental health supports, or disability services, they’re not there.

The young doctors and nurses, just like so many tradesmen and teachers, they’re in Australia and elsewhere as they can’t afford to live here, no matter how hard they work, nothing in the budget for them to bring them home or help them afford a home.

Name: Austin Stack

 Party: Fianna Fáil 

Occupation: Health and Safety Consultant

Why vote for you: As an ordinary person who has lived a life with many of the ups and downs that most people could relate to, such as working in the public sector, raising kids and putting them through college, dealing with a marriage breakdown, dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, I feel this puts me in a really good position to understand the everyday life struggles of people.

As a member of a political party, this means that if Fianna Fáil return to government, then I will be at the centre of decision making and can influence directly decisions affecting Co Laois. Independent candidates cannot have this influence.

Finally, I have a strong track record of fighting passionately against injustice and inequality. My experience in campaigning for justice for my Dad and to save Portlaoise hospital are examples of this. When I feel passionately about an issue, I will not let it go until I get a positive resolution. If elected, I will be a passionate advocate for Co Laois.

Top priority: My number one priority if elected will be to find a resolution the lack of special needs secondary school places in Co Laois.

Name: Mary Hand Party:

Aontú Occupation:

Secondary school teacher

 Why vote for me: As a secondary school teacher in Heywood, my background in education has given me a huge insight into the huge challenges faced by students with additional needs and their families. I can advocate for policies that improve resources and support and inclusion for these students, who desperately need a strong, solid and consistent voice. Their families do Trojan work to highlight their needs, but as we saw just this week, they have a constant battle on their hands in their dealings with the Department of Education, which is so unjust and unfair. It is appalling that funding that had been approved for special educational classes has not been released. This constant stress and strain has a terrible effect on both the students and their families and does impact adversely on mental health.

Our constitution states that we should cherish all the children of the nation equally, but these children are being badly let down.

Top priority: I am deeply interested in the educational future of our students and it gives them the base for the rest of their lives. I understand the needs of both teachers and students and want to use my voice to advocate strongly for them.

Our country is going though huge challenges and having worked for years in the private sector, I also understand the needs of businesspeople, struggling with huge energy costs, VAT and staff shortages.

Laois needs representation that is fearless and as an Aontú candidate I am proud to stand for a party that is led by a principled, intelligent and articulate leader in deputy Peadar Toibín, who is respected as he doesn’t change his mind for the sake of popularity or political expediency.

He has true character.

Name: William Aird 

Party: Fine Gael 

Occupation: Farmer and Public Representative 

Why vote for you: I am a longstanding public representative through my membership of Laois County Council, where I topped the poll in five successive elections in the Portlaoise Electoral Area. I have been committed to steadfastly representing the interests and views of the electorate and I have a proven track record of delivery. Accessibility and accountability are the cornerstones of effective representation and I have always made it my priority to be available to hear the concerns of the people I represent.

I have been a tireless advocate of finding solutions for issues related to planning, housing, employment, anti-social behaviour, roads and transport, health, education and recreation facilities. I will use my extensive political experience to continue to lead change for the better, for our county and our country. By electing me, the people of Laois are ensuring that they will be represented by an experienced, enthusiastic and determined TD, who is acutely aware of the key issues concerning them.

Top priority: I have a clear vision for the future of Co Laois and our country, one that is built on prosperity, sustainability and inclusivity for all.

My priorities include Investment and Infrastructure: the advancement of Laois as a business, industrial and tourism base for the midlands and as a key location for foreign direct investment must be prioritised. Investment in our health, education and sports facilities; our services for the elderly and those with special needs; and in our infrastructure is essential.

Housing: We must ensure measures are in place to drive construction, fund social and affordable homes and support first time buyers.

Supporting Working Families: Prioritising measures to support working families is critical. We need a sliding scale for families to qualify for support schemes and additional childcare supports.

Agriculture and Rural Ireland: A strong advocate for agriculture and rural Ireland is needed in Dáil Éireann. As a farmer, I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by farm families and of the importance of the agricultural sector for rural Ireland.

Safer Communities: I am committed to creating safer communities by advocating for the assignment of additional gardaí in Laois. A visible garda presence and strong deterrents are crucial for fostering a sense of security in our county.

Name: Rosie Palmer

Party: Green Party 

Occupation: Parliamentary Assistant to Cabinet Minister 

Why vote for you: I am asking the people of Laois to give me their number one vote in the knowledge that every first preference vote for me is a signal to whomever forms the next government that they cannot ignore social and climate justice.

I am asking the people of Laois to consider the other candidates and their stance on the issues that matter to them – when the history books are written, did your choice do the right thing by humanity and the planet that we call home, or did they give into conservatism and pull us backwards instead of moving us forward.

I will unashamedly represent the left-leaning, liberal-minded people of Laois, who care about equality, social inclusion and the betterment of our county and country in way that is fair for people, place and planet.

I am asking the people of Laois to give me their number one vote for a fairer future together.

Top priority: I have always been clear on my priorities – homes, healthy futures and hearty communities – we cannot secure any one of these without the others.

Everyone deserves a warm home – we need to build more affordable homes, more social housing and more cost rental, and we need to ensure that existing housing stock is retrofit. In tandem, we need to ensure that our services are matching our growing population. That we have school and childcare places and inclusive healthcare and that our communities are safe and vibrant places to live, work and socialise. We need to ensure access to reliable public transport, safe walking and cycling routes, and accessible amenities. We need to do this while ensuring our communities, small businesses, farmers and individuals are supported in a way that enhances and protects nature.

I will fight to deliver on those priorities for the people of Laois.

Name: Brian Stanley Party: 

Part: Independent 

Occupation: 

Public Representative 

 Why vote for you: I have the commitment, experience and track record of work built up over 26 years as a public representative, almost 14 of which as a TD.

Seven years ago, I exposed the plan to close the emergency department and other services in Portlaoise hospital and led a successful campaign to retain it.

I have campaigned vigorously for further investment in Portlaoise hospital since then; the now-completed refurbishment of Abbeyleix Hospital; the extension to St Vincent Hospital, Mountmellick; new or upgraded health centres in Mountrath, Borris-in-Ossory, Rathdowney, Graiguecullen and a new Primary Care Centre for Portlaoise.

With others, we got the provision of affordable housing to buy and rent back on the political agenda and I will continue to campaign for rent controls.

I have supported several schools in their fight for new schools, extra classrooms and ASD units.

Over the past four years as chairperson of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee, I uncovered bad practices in publicly-funded bodies such as RTÉ and ensured that the necessary reforms were put in place to stamp it out.

The campaign for greater support for the Childcare sector, which has been partially successful, received my full support.

I was one of the first TDs to press the case for ‘Just Transition’ funding for Counties like Laois to enable householders and farmers to move to a low-carbon future.

I gave time and commitment to representing the disability sector in their quest for greater supports for people with disabilities and their carers.

In my 14 years in the Dáil, I have supported or brought forward legislation that would benefit workers and families.

If re-elected to the Dáil, I will continue to work diligently and with commitment on behalf of the people of Laois.

Top priority: My number one priority if re-elected will be the provision of affordable housing to buy or rent for those workers and families who are just over the threshold for council housing, but not earning enough to get a mortgage to buy on the open market.

Name: Elaine Mullally 

Party: Independent Occupation:

Managing Director 

Why vote for me: I am honest, hardworking, committed, passionate and have the courage and integrity to speak on behalf of the people who will hopefully vote me into the next Dáil.

I make things happen, I get things done. I specialise in identifying solutions and manage projects that ensure I deliver practical solutions on time and within budget.

My key strengths are that I am a very capable organiser/project manager with proven track record for delivery. Some of the successful projects I have managed are: Supporting start-up businesses in Laois; Founder/manager and set up Laois Third Level; set up the adult section of St Michaels AC; Play Activity Leisure Ireland reform group to seek lower insurance for the sector; Independent Ireland – 3 TDs, 1 MEP, 23 councillors; Clown Around Play Centre in Portarlington; Laois Autism Task Force.

As a mother of two adult daughters, I see and understand the needs for housing and the desire to live independently. I keep myself grounded as a beekeeper and keen gardener. Through my business and social life I am meeting people daily who have worked hard and did their best all their lives – these same people don’t feel that they are now being represented by the current political system.

Top priority: My number one priority is improving supports and services for children and families dealing with autism and special needs. They are completely neglected by the government and as a result children are being left undiagnosed for far too long. There is very little support for parents after diagnosis. I will fight to get the proper help, support and funding for Laois to help these families and their children.

My second priority is housing. I will actively campaign for more investment in housing in Laois, particularly for those who are trying to get onto the property ladder or wishing to return home after spending years abroad.

My third priority is immigration. Our government has failed to adhere to existing immigration laws that were put in place to ensure the safety and protection of the people of Ireland. As a result, many of our local services are saturated. I will be calling for an immediate review of the existing immigration process, which is broken, unfair and inhumane. It is necessary to stop allowing additional illegal and welfare immigrants into the country until our immigration process is thoroughly reviewed and a workable, fair and humane solution is established.

Name: Jason Lynch Party:

Non-Party 

 Occupation: Paramedic 

 Why vote for you: The people of Laois should vote for me as I am a hardworking, motivated individual and I believe they deserve better. In my current role as a paramedic working on the frontline, I treat patients from all backgrounds, so the electorate might wonder how this man who we never heard of can relate to us.

When treating patients, paramedics actually spend time getting to know their patients and families. This provides a sense of warmth to our patients, and while doing this, we as paramedics get to know people from all walks of life. I believe I can relate to all members of the electorate in some shape or form. I would be a very strong advocate for the people of Laois and in particular the current generation who are being impacted massively by many issues such as the ongoing housing crisis and the cost-of-living crisis.

I consider myself just an ordinary member of society, I don’t have any party to pay for my expenses, or a team to go out and canvass for me. I am hoping that I can connect with the electorate through the power of social media and encourage them to vote for me.

Top priority: Without a doubt, the housing crisis. There is a whole generation currently locked out of home ownership and if things don’t begin to change very soon, a further generation will be locked out of home ownership and they will also become the generation of renting pensioners.

In 2019, house prices began to increase, but during the pandemic they jumped by more than €60,000 and they have continued to increase. The average new home in Laois now costs over €400,000 and if the current trend continues they will continue to rise. This has to change, so while new housing developments are welcome, there needs to be a price cap in place. This is an area that I am very passionate about as I have been directly affected by this crisis.

What is needed in the Dáil are public representatives who can relate with the people experiencing these issues. Also, people are registering as homeless every week. This should not be the case in a country like Ireland in the year 2024 going into 2025. Change needs to happen and it can’t wait. If I were elected, I would be a very strong voice for the people of Laois.

Name: Pauline Flanagan 

Party: Independent (Non-Party)

Occupation: Lecturer at SETU Carlow 

Why vote for me: Because I am angry. How many more times do we have to hear so many false promises? It maddens me to hear sitting TDs promising the sun moon and stars now – just two months after a budget where it couldn’t happen. And, of course, as soon as a coalition is formed after the election, the response will be ‘oh, sure look … we had to renegotiate with our coalition partners, blah blah blah’. Enough is enough. I believe that the time is now for a strong, determined, capable public representative in Laois. The people of Laois need a person who has the ability to fight for our housing, health, education, youth, special needs access, sports complex and much, much more.

Top priority: I can’t limit it to one. There are too many issues that matter to the people of Laois that I can help with. But if I had to limit it, I would ensure Laois secures an indoor sports complex, a university and tackles the serious issues of loneliness and mental health.

Name: Seán Fleming Party:

Fianna Fáil Occupation:

Public Representative 

 Why vote for me: I have a track record in delivering for Co Laois. If re-elected, I will continue to do so. Since Fianna Fáil entered government in 2020, there have been major improvements across the country and in Laois. There are 500,000 more people at work in Ireland since 2020. House-building has recommenced since we re-entered government and we will build more homes for people and families. We have improved our health services and we will work to further deliver better health services. The number of special education classes have significantly increased across the country and we will make them available in all areas where they are needed. We have helped people with the cost of living and we will work further to ease the financial burden on people and families. I will continue to work to deliver for Co Laois, as part of Fianna Fáil in government.

Top priority Housing: Increase the number of new private, affordable and social homes for people and families. Two-and-a-half thousand new homes have been built in Laois since Fianna Fáil entered government in 2020.

Health: €30 million is now being invested in Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Abbeyleix hospitals. This means that these hospitals are safe for generations to come. I’m working to provide more healthcare staff to enhance our health services in Laois.

Schools and education: We have more than doubled the number of special education classes in Laois (from 32 to 83) since 2020. My priority is to provide more funding for new school buildings, special education and the running costs of all schools in the county.

Families: Helping people with the cost of housing, raising families, paying household bills and reducing the tax burden on working families.

Employment: Deliver further jobs in Laois, to reduce the number of people commuting to Dublin and other areas.

Rural and community: Support our towns and villages with investment to enhance these areas as places to live. Support farmers to produce good-quality food and earn a worthwhile living into the future.

Two candidates - Maria McCormack (SF) and Ken Mooney (PBP) did not respond to our questionnaire