Pictures: Here are the candidates seeking your vote in Kilkenny Local Electoral Area

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.