From podcaster to potential councillor - Maurice Shortall sets out his stall ahead of local elections across Co Kilkenny

Castlecomer man, Maurice Shortall, has said he will work with people on a ‘direct basis’ if elected in June’s local elections.

Mr Shortall is running as an independent candidate in the Castlecomer LEA.

The aspiring candidate is well-known in the locality for his work in retail and as the creator and host of 'Cheap Heat Productions,' an entertainment podcast which has garnered an impressive following to date.

In addition to podcasting, Mr Shortall is an accomplished DJ, organising and performing at events in Ireland as well as in the UK and USA.

So, with an impressive list of accomplishments, why is now the time to step into politics?

"From being on the ground listening to people, I decided that from listening to people in the local area, they weren’t entirely happy with their representation particularly in the Castlecomer area where we haven’t had a representative since 2019 so that factored into my thinking big time," he said.

"I think it’s going to be a positive experience for me no matter what happens," he added.

The 'Comer' native has credited his diverse media background as a significant support mechanism for his campaign so far, meeting a large number of people on the campaign trail.

"I have went to several hundred people’s doors so far and from dealing with people at their front doors that’s when things can really get heavy and you get to know what people want," he commented.

The ongoing issue with water quality, broadband speeds particularly in the Castlecomer area, social housing and potholes have all been raised with Mr Shortall by the electorate and are high on his agenda if elected.

"One of the big things people are saying to me is they feel there’s a lack of communication between the people on the ground. People feel there’s a disconnect so I want to bridge that connection and work with people on a direct basis," he said.

"I think Castlecomer is too big an area to have vacant (no representative) in my opinion, the other areas wouldn’t be forgotten as well but I think we need a basis in a town so big," he concluded.