17.
Kevin Shore (People Before Profit)Kevin Shore has been living in Kilkenny for 45 years, having moved here from Dublin with his family in 1979. He describes himself as a Socialist, a feminist, anti-racist and anti-fascist. “I believe in equality for all and creating public awareness in how Capitalism is failing humanity,” he says. “The name and words ‘People Before Profit’ probably explains my stance in every situation. The one thing I can promise is, I will be a Socialist voice in any political debate in Kilkenny, to make sure an ordinary working class voice is heard. Mr Shore has spent years campaigning on local and national issues. While in college, he helped organise and run White Ribbon Campaign events to raise awareness about men’s violence against women. He has campaigned on water charges, repeal, student loans, Black Lives Matter, the cost of living crisis, housing and homelessness, mental health, solidarity with Palestine and more. “I’ve helped organise a weekly vigil every Wednesday at 5.30pm under the town hall Kilkenny until there is a permanent ceasefire in Palestine,” he says. Housing and homelessness is a big concern for him: “There are over 800 people on the housing list for Kilkenny City. According to both the 2016 and 2022 census there were more than 800 dwellings classed as ‘vacant’ in Kilkenny City,” he says. “If elected I will propose compulsory purchasing of these ‘vacant’ properties and fill them with people from the housing list.”
18.
Noel G WalshA seasoned campaigner of both local and national elections, community activist Noel G Walsh will run as an independent candidate in the local elections of June 7. He has lived in Kilkenny City for many years. Mr Walsh says a lot of people are disenchanted with the traditional parties and are looking for a credible alternative. One of a family of 13, Mr Walsh describes himself as a community activist, helping people with their problems they may have with the HSE and/or various Government departments and agencies of the State. Mr Walsh previously ran for local office in 2019, and missed out on a seat on that occasion. He also contested the 2011 and 2016 General Elections for Carlow-Kilkenny, as well as the 2015 Carlow-Kilkenny By-Election, but did not get elected. On previous campaigns, Mr Walsh described the big issues as housing, emigration, and issues with the HSEs. He was also a critic of the proposed boundary change in South Kilkenny. "I was born in 13 Father Albert Place, Kilkenny City. I am running as an independent, as an independent is more involved and in touch with people on the ground, I love a bit of banter with my friends and my community," he says. "I welcome all visitors to our country after all we built the US and UK in the 30s and the 40s but I believe we must house the Irish first housing could be sorted if the willingness was there to solve the problems of homelessness, tents are not the answer, health is another big issue but if you want the staff you have to pay them. Roads - you need visible Garda on the roads and not in the courthouse dealing with cases. I believe the traffic corp's need to be around 5,000 Garda to start with no want to hear bad news of a loved one. "Our small local business need support - it is them that are the heart of community. The full implementation of the disability act, tourism is is another hand's on approach needed." He says there is too much red tape around farming and fishing, and the environment is of most importance to hima nd his team, so