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

Toluwani Akaehomen (IND)
Independent candidate Dr Toluwani Akaehomen is contesting the upcoming local elections in Kilkenny for the very first time. Dr Akaehomen, originally from Nigeria, has been a resident in Kilkenny since 2001 and is known locally as a peace commissioner, small business owner, and for her work in a number of voluntary organisations.

The political newbie is entering local politics to ‘bring positive change’ and is keen to tackle issues and improve facilities that impact local people’s lives including, public transport, parking and introducing additional playground facilities.

“Politics for me is about how we can bring positive change into a community,” she said.
“I want 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.”

Ms Akaehomen wishes to see Kilkenny become a ‘vibrant economy’ which creates sustainable employment and to enable innovation platforms, which are accessible to women and to the most vulnerable in our community.
If elected, she is optimistic she will can work together with other councillors to advocate and negotiate in order to create a ‘common purpose’.

“This is home. Whether it be an emigrant, Ukrainian or an Irish person I think I can fit in with any intersectionality,” she concluded.