9.
Joe Malone (Fianna Fail)Fianna Fail councillor Joe Malone was first elected as a borough councillor in 2009, and then in the Kilkenny City West area in 2014. He was re-elected in Kilkenny City in 2019 with a First Preference vote of 1,271. He is the incumbent Mayor of Kilkenny, a role he served in previously in 2015/16. During his term of office, he pledged his commitment to various projects including further development of the brewery site, the new bridge at Coote’s Lane and the Butts Regeneration Project. He cited a need for more residential buildings in the city and described drugs as ‘the biggest pandemic in society today’. He also wants to see a handball statue to be put in place in the city. Originally from New Ross, he joined the army at 16 and worked as a medical orderly for 23 years, travelling overseas. He has lived in Kilkenny for 45 years now. Cllr Malone was also the chair of the St Patrick’s Festival committee for a number of years. He has worked as a coordinator with the Kilkenny Suicide Awareness Organisation. He also volunteers with and supports Meals on Wheels, his local O’Loughlin Gaels, homeless charities, and mental health groups. Each year, he organises and coordinates an annual pilgrimage for young people to Medjugorje. Cllr Malone is married to Josephine and has a son, Jamie, who is a serving member of the Defence Forces.
10.
Andrew McGuinnessCouncillor Andrew McGuinness is an experienced public representative. He has served two terms as mayor and one as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council. Cllr McGuinness is known for championing animal welfare issues, fighting for better facilities for young people and for not being afraid to stand up and speak out for communities, families and individuals that need support. Cllr McGuinness was a driving force behind animal welfare by laws that have been introduced in Kilkenny in recent years and helped establish Kilkenny's Animal Welfare Committee, the first of its kind in the country. As Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Andrew officially opened Kilkenny's Skate Park, a project he campaigned for since he was first elected. Having spent 10 years organising underage music events for teenagers, Andrew continues to pursue better facilities for young people and a thriving music scene for young people to be part of. Housing, improved and increased bus routes, the upgrade of footpaths and the provision of speed control measures in our housing schemes and crime prevention are all high on Andrews agenda. He also feels strongly about the lack of public consultation regarding the housing of asylum seekers and has stated that Minister Roderic O’Gorman has ‘shown no regard for local communities that simply cannot accommodated such vast numbers of asylum seekers’. He is the only election candidate with a constituency office open to the public six days a week that he operates with his father John McGuinness TD. “As anyone who has visited our office at O'Loughlin Road will know, I take my responsibilities as a public representative very seriously. I hold clinics every week and my mobile phone number is public property. I am there for anyone who needs advice or assistance,” he said. “My promise to you is a simple and honest one - I will do my best for you, your family and Kilkenny. But to enable me to do that work, I do need your support on election day, so I am asking that
11.
Eugene McGuinness (IND)Independent councillor Eugene McGuinness is seeking a second term as a councillor after successfully being elected for the first time in 2019. Cllr McGuinness was elected on the eleventh count in 2019, after receiving enough transfers from other candidates. He was a prominent campaigner against proposals for the construction of a mosque in the Hebron area of the city. Cllr McGuinness previously ran in 2009 where he received 302 votes on the first count. Since his election five years ago, Cllr McGuinness has been a prominent supporter of local taxi drivers. Earlier this year, he raised concerns at the lack of suitable parking for taxi firms during festival season in the county. He has also spoken out about inappropriate parking and road conditions near Nowlan Park. He has also repeatedly called for and supported measures to eradicate anti-social behaviour in St Kieran’s Cemetery. The local councillor’s home was attacked following his comments. Thousands of euro of damage were caused with several windows smashed and considerable damage caused to his van. Cllr McGuinness says he will continue in his ‘unwavering commitment’ to the people of Kilkenny if elected.
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Aoife O'Brien (Sinn Fein)First time election candidate with Sinn Fein, Aoife O’Brien claims the political system needs to change to one that is more reflective of today’s society. An activist and trade union representative, Ms O’Brien says she wants to work on behalf of the most vulnerable people in the community, adding, she sees 'first-hand the effects of inadequate housing, cuts to funding for the disability sector and a broken healthcare system are having on our community'. If elected, Ms O’Brien has stated she will prioritise improved access to affordable and social housing, disability-appropriate social housing and improved public transport. After recently experiencing a life changing accident, the Sinn Fein candidate claims she is 'all too aware of the difficulties and challenges those with disabilities and their carers face in Kilkenny'. The city candidate is critical of long trolley waiting times in hospitals and GP waiting times. She has also called for Improved public transport links for residents in the Robertshill area. She is a firm supporter of carers and parents of children with special needs, commenting ‘they shouldn’t live in fear of no help and worry about financial support’. If elected, she intends to be a voice for change and support the most marginalised sections of society.