Laois TD supports Catherine Connolly in her bid for President
Laois TD Brian Stanley said that he is supporting Catherine Connolly in her bid to become the next President of Ireland
WITH prospective candidates lining up seeking nominations to contest the upcoming Presidential Election, Laois Independent Republican Dáil Deputy Brian Stanley has thrown his weight behind Independent TD Catherine Connolly after she officially declared that she will be contesting for the office.
The Laois TDs support for Catherine Connolly follows on from the announcement last week that his group in the county has been renamed Independent Republicans Laois.
The group’s representative in Laois County Council cllr Catherine Dwane Stanley said the group made the decision to rename after a huge influx of members signed up who were willing to join in local campaigns to improve services and supports around the county.
Cllr Dwane Staney, who is the wife of Brian Stanley and who both broke away from Sinn Féin said: “Brian went into the general election and was elected as an Independent Republican. I too resigned from Sinn Féin. Since then we’ve had huge interest from people looking to join up. Indeed many former Sinn Féin members from around the county have come onboard.”
Asked what’s the difference between Independent Republicans Laois and local political parties that are already campaigning on issues affecting people, cllr Dwane Stanley said: “We have no line managers. We’re not bound by party whips or structures and we don’t toe the line of party diktats. We consider ourselves to be centre left in terms of our policies.
“All those who have joined us have a common purpose. They are all from the community, honest, hardworking and trustworthy. There’s some very good people involved who are currently active in their own communities and reflect the needs of them.”
Cllr Dwane Stanley said that the group is currently involved in a number of local campaigns and issues such as the provision of a publicly run nursing home in Portlaoise, the provision of affordable and cost-rental housing around Laois, a Primary Care Centre for Portlaoise, additional primary and secondary school places for those with additional needs and extra services for those with disabilities.
On national issues, cllr Dwane Stanley said members of Independent Republicans Laois are involved in the Palestinian crisis campaign and are taking a very active part in the retention of Irish Neutrality campaign.
She said that the group is holding a fundraising 10km walk on Saturday 13 September at 1pm on Abbeyleix Bog and invites everyone along for a good day out.
Cllr Dwane Stanley said that anyone interested in finding our more about the group’s policies or about how to join should phone their office at 5 Church Street, Portlaoise on 057 86 62851.
