Labour - David Whelan

Q & A with Laois / Offaly Labour Party candidate David Whelan

 Name David Whelan Address21 West Wood Grove, Clara, County Offaly Date of birth 15/12/69 Constituency  Laois / Offaly Party  Labour

Occupation :

 Assistant Planner H.S.E.

Previous occupation:

Training Centre Manager

Financial Interests:

None

Income (aside from income derived from political office): 

Between €40,000 - €50,000

Approximate net worth of capital assets aside from family residence:

None

Information on political career to date:

Labour member since 2004, Chair of Tullamore branch 2006, first time election candidate.

Personal election manifesto:
To work towards the development of a fair and equal society based on social democratic principles. To protect the weak and to promote the interests of the most deprived members of society. To reward hard working families by providing quality public services and to ensure those families in the middle income bracket receive their fair share of benefits. 

Why should voters in your constituency vote for you rather than for other candidates, including candidates representing the political party which you represent?
I am a young man who represents a new generation of Irish people, progressive in my thinking, well educated and determined to help in shaping our country into a country we can all be proud of. A fair and equal society, open and welcoming, a country that reflects the ideals set out in our proclamation of independence.   

What do you consider to be the main election issues in your constituency?

Access to health care services, access to affordable quality housing, lack of infrastructure and local employment opportunities for people.
 

Were do you stand in relation to these constituency issues?

I want to see the medical card extended to more families, many of whom cannot afford to attend their GP. I want to see more acute beds in our public hospitals and greater investment in services for people with disabilities and older persons.

I want much greater investment in social and affordable housing and greater assistance given to first time buyers.

I want to see substantial investment in the midlands in the area of roads and public transport.

I want to see much greater job creation in the midlands so people can live and work in the same area. Special incentives must be give to companies to develop employment here. Tourism must be developed to a much greater extent.

How much money do you expect to spend in the election campaign?

Less than €15,000

What will be the sources of this finance?

Local fundraising