BIG READ: Dr Toluwani Akaehomen hopes to offer a fresh political voice for Kilkenny

Independent candidate, Dr Toluwani Akaehomen has declared her intention to run in the upcoming local elections in Kilkenny.

Dr Akaehomen, originally from Nigeria and a resident in Kilkenny since 2001, will contest the Kilkenny City Local Election Area (LEA).

Ms Akaehomen is known locally as a peace commissioner, small business owner and for her work in a number of voluntary organisations.

I sat down with Ms Akaehomen last week to hear why she is taking the leap into local politics.

WHY POLITICS? "Politics for me is about how we can bring positive change into a community. I have lived here for over 22 years. When I go to Nigeria or to any other place I’m from Kilkenny, this is home," she said, adding, "from parking, to public transport, to playgrounds and street lights. I want to work with the Kilkenny City community to improve access and develop the amenities we need to sustain a good quality of life and well-being for all."

POLICIES: "To develop a vibrant local economy that responds to climate change challenges while creating sustainable local jobs. To foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and enable innovation platforms, which are accessible to women and to the most vulnerable in our community.

"To ensure that housing supply meets the needs and demands of our diverse and growing community and to contribute to the reform and development of robust streamlined planning processes at both local and national levels."

SERVING EVERYONE: "I'm serving everybody. I’m a woman of a migrant background, from a developing nation, of a different colour but I'm also amongst those that are classified as disadvantaged or in a minority," she claimed.

However, the election hopeful is proud of her Kilkenny roots. 

"I know people, I've lived here, I've seen people born here who are now married. This is home. Whether it be an emigrant, Ukrainian or an Irish person I think I can fit in with any intersectionality," Dr Akaehomen stated.

WORKING WITH OTHER COUNCILLORS: "I'm going in with optimism, to hone my skills of negotiation, to learn and to lend my voice. I’m going in to work with others for a common purpose. I believe we can work together to advocate and negotiate."

"I see myself as a serving leader. When people put their trust in you it’s a big deal, for me it’s a personal value and I’d like people to hold me accountable," she said.

BEING AN INDEPENDENT COUNCILLOR: "I'm an Independent because that’s what works for me for now. I'm hoping the pros of being an Independent will outweigh the cons when push comes to shove when we have to make decisions, but whether you're an independent or party person, we all want to work for a Kilkenny that works. These (other councillors) are fellow members of the community. It's about the community, not about politics."