People Before Profit enters general election race in Laois

PEOPLE Before Profit has announced it will contest the general election in Laois.

Ken Mooney at 23-years of age, is the youngest of the nine candidates who have to date, declared they are contesting the election in the three-seat constituency.

From Mountrath, Mr Mooney holds a Master’s Degree in Politics from the University of Limerick and has been actively involved in politics for the past three-years.

The issues he said that he will be canvassing and campaigning on include housing, the abolition of tuition fees, education, young people’s emigration, a €15 an hour minimum wage and the abolition of the USC.

He said: “Everyone deserves a home. The current housing crisis is the construct of the current government and their policies. I wish to fight for an Ireland where everyone has a home.” 

On education Mr Mooney said: “Right now in Laois we have no higher education facility that goes beyond a level 6. Laois is one of the fastest growing counties in Ireland. There needs to be a discussion about the construction of an Institute of Technology (IT) or university here.”

“This country is facing a 2008 level emigration crisis, if something doesn’t change. Young people are leaving in droves and Laois is no different. I want an Ireland for all and a Laois for all.

“I along with my party are fighting for a €15 an hour minimum wage as well as equal pay for equal work and ending the pay discrimination of those under 20. 

We are also calling for the abolition of the USC for those making under €100,000 a year and scrapping tuition fees,” said Mr Mooney.

*The other candidates are: Willie Aird (Fine Gael) - Sean Fleming (Fianna Fáil) - Mary Hand (Aontú) - Maia McCormack (Sinn Féin) - Aisling Moran (Independent) - Elaine Mullally (Independent ) - Rosie Palmer (Green Party) - Brian Stanley (Independent Republican).