Niall Collins, FF
Niall Collins, Fianna Fail, Limerick West
Born in Patrickswell, at 34 Collins is one of the youngest candidates in his constituency. He had success in local elections, gaining 1600 first preference votes on his first attempt. He believes that people nationwide are frustrated with the slow delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects and the lack of definite finishing dates. Bodies like the NRA and civil servants involved in the construction projects must be more accountable. In his locality, road projects like the Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West and Adare by-passes are long overdue. Also of concern to the aspirant is the issue of planning for one-off houses in West Limerick, sewage systems for expanding settlements and child-care facilities.
Collins has a difficult battle to gain a seat, as there are two Fianna Fail and one Fine Gael candidates sitting, and 'both parties are fighting to keep the status quo'. He aims to replace the outgoing TD Michael Collins, but is up against popular Fine Gael candidate Dan Neville, as well as Senator Michael Finucane.