Where they stand...

Community Voice posed five questions to all of the candidates for this month’s by-election. The questions were selected to cover both local and national issues and to see what particular skills they would bring to the position if they were elected to Dáil Éireann.

The five specific questions asked of each candidate were as follows:

1. If elected, what would you do to ensure there are no further cutbacks to the services provided at Connolly Hospital?

2. What specific steps would you propose to protect and provide jobs in the Dublin 15 area?

3. Name the three most important priorities you would seek to address for the Dublin West constituency?

4. What skills/talents could you bring to the Dáil to deal with the current national economic crisis?

5. Which, if any, of your party’s stated policies, would you seek to change if you were elected to represent this constituency?

The seven candidates replies to each of these questions are published below. It is hoped that these responses (or lack thereof) may assist readers in determining how they will cast their votes on 27th October 2011.

If elected, what would you do to ensure there are no further cutbacks to the services provided at Connolly Hospital?

Ruth Coppinger (Socialist Party)
No cuts whatsoever are justifiable at the hospital. In fact it needs to be enhanced as the population is growing. I would work as a TD alongside the newly-established Defend Blanchardstown Hospital Campaign, a staff/community initiative actively informing the community on what is going on at the hospital. I would use the Dáil to expose the savage array of cuts and bed closures there.

Labour and Fine Gael have shown they are not to be trusted with our hospitals, swearing there are no plans to cut them and then slyly downgrading them. My election would be a strong message to the government and the best practical assistance to the campaign to defend the hospital. The significant resources TDs have would be put fully behind the campaign.

Paul Donnelly (Sinn Féin)

As a party in opposition, Sinn Féin has been to the forefront in defending hospital services throughout the country. I have over the past year been working with my colleagues Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Health and Dessie Ellis TD, who has been a very active support of the Defend Connolly Hospital campaign in asking Parliamentary questions constantly to ensure that cuts in services are raised at the highest levels.

I have been involved in the Defend Connolly Hospital steering group, establishing a weekly community and staff led protest for over 6 weeks. As an elected TD, I will be able to go into the Dáil and lobby directly for the people of Dublin West. 

Barry Caesar Hunt (Non Party)

The situation in Connolly Hospital is very grave indeed. There are a number of ways to resolve the problem. Initially I will be calling on the government to bail out the hospital. €30 billion is earmarked for Anglo yet the hospital budget has been cut over the past two years.

Secondly, the HSE needs to be scrapped. It simply does not work. We need a system similar to that of the NHS in the UK, one of the finest systems in the world. We also need to make hospitals more of a commercial entity. Connolly, for example could generate it's own income from leasing space to businesses, banking, advertising space for local and global brands and to extend existing services.

Eithne Loftus (Fine Gael)

On Monday October 3rd Fine Gael Minister for Health Dr. James Reilly TD said there would be no cuts to the A&E unit at Blanchardstown Hospital. He gave that assurance at the official opening of the Endoscopy Unit, which I also attended.

I attended a meeting with the Minister for Health, along with Minister Leo Varadkar and hospital management and staff recently and found the discussion surrounding the hospital extremely positive. The hospital has seen huge investment, which is only right given it tended to 33,000 patients in 2010. Plans for the hospital’s development continue and all bodies involved are very committed.

If elected, I will be communicating with the Minister for Health on a regular basis and ensuring Dublin West continues to receive the best healthcare.

David McGuinness (Fianna Fáil)

Recent cuts in the Hospital, and the ongoing potential that A&E services would be reduced to ‘Roscommon levels’, is deeply worrying.  The attempted reassurance by government politicians has been rubbished by the recent news of significant bed closures.

My approach to retaining service levels will be two-fold. Firstly, I will ensure that a Private Member’s Motion is tabled in the Dáil calling for services in Connolly Hospital to be retained at current levels. This will give parliamentary backing to current service levels.

Secondly, I will seek a position on the Oireachtas Health Committee. There I will work constructively with government and opposition politicians, along with the relevant officials and authorities, to identify where efficiencies can be found in our health service and waste cut out. 
  
Patrick Nulty (Labour Party)

I have campaigned consistently along with other Labour Party colleagues to protect Connolly Hospital. I will work with staff, patients and the wider community to maintain the full range of services at Connolly Hospital.

I will be a strong voice within government to protect the A&E and other vital services offered by the Hospital.

Roderick O’Gorman (Green Party)

If elected, I will use the Dáil to highlight the vital importance of Connolly Hospital to growing population of west Dublin, north Kildare and south Meath. I would seek appointment to the Oireachtas Committee on Health & Children. I would use this platform to directly question the HSE about its intentions for Connolly Hospital and pressure it to find savings in areas that did not compromise front line services.

I will also be upfront with the electorate about the costs of health and other services. I do not agree with politicians telling the public on the one hand that we must protect services and on the other that we must oppose any new taxation measures.

What specific steps would you propose to protect and provide jobs in the Dublin 15 area?

Ruth Coppinger (Socialist Party)

Austerity is destroying jobs as it depresses demand. The wealth and resources in society must be commandeered to create jobs and lift the country out of the economic crisis, not to pay the debts of speculators. The €3.5 billion being given to Anglo bondholders this year should instead be used for investment in jobs. Metro North and West are two specific projects which could be proceeded with, creating tens of thousands of jobs and vital transport links for communities.

Properly funding council, health and education services would provide thousands of key jobs also. 300 Irish people have an estimated €57 billion. A tax on that wealth could be used to build social housing suited to families to end waiting lists and create thousands of construction jobs.
 
Paul Donnelly (Sinn Féin)

Sinn Féin has for the past two years put forward a very detailed job stimulus package that would create and protect 100,000 jobs.

Our jobs stimulus programme would create jobs by building 100 new primary health care centres at a cost of €500 million. This would alleviate the strain on our main hospitals. The building of these centres would create in the region of 5,000 jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs.

We would set up and support central production hubs for SMEs involved in the agri-food sector, so that they have access to advice, support and most importantly infrastructure and equipment perhaps not available to early stage start-ups.

We would increase the school building and refurbishment programme for 2012 to take at least 125 schools through the construction stage.  This would cost €375m and create approximately 4,000 jobs directly and 1,600 indirectly.

Barry Caesar Hunt (Non Party)

To protect and create jobs we need to preserve local businesses.

Firstly, By reducing commercial rates down to current valuation levels, businesses will have more cash on hand to hire more people. Currently businesses are paying double what they should be.

Secondly, the back to work Intern Scheme is a fantastic project however it falls short. People need an incentive to work and money is that incentive. The scheme should be extended to all industries and sectors with a top up from the employer. How can anybody survive on the current rate of €150 for 5 days work? It incentivises workers and employers.

Finally, our commercial tax rate is one of the most competitive in Europe and we must insist on preserving it to ensure multinationals stay on our shores.

Eithne Loftus (Fine Gael)

Dublin West is ideally placed to become the “Silicon Valley of Ireland”, with the ability to attract jobs in high tech and other sectors.

This constituency has two high profile and very hard-working government Ministers. A third government TD for Dublin West would give the constituency concentrated assistance for local issues, ensuring we have the best representation of any constituency around the country.

By defending our Corporation Tax so rigorously against sustained international pressure and making Ireland a more competitive place to do business this Government is bringing significant inward investment into the country, especially in the high tech sector.

Our Jobs Initiative is already having an impact. 4,500 new jobs have been created by the IDA and the Live Register figures for September show a drop for the first time since April 2007.

David McGuinness (Fianna Fáil)

Unemployment in D15 has grown by 3% since this new Government took office. This is a clear sign that the so-called ‘Jobs Budget’ has failed.

We must address the jobs crisis on a number of levels. First off, I have suggested that Dublin 15 should become the IDA Tech Hub. As a start, I believe that the IDA should seek a D15 site for the Twitter jobs. 

I am also in favour of looking at ways at getting construction workers back to work. Innovative programmes, like the retrofitting project, must be identified.

Businesses also carry a huge cost burden. This is a drag on their capability to grow and employ more. If elected, I will highlight those high costs and how they can be reduced.

Patrick Nulty (Labour Party)

Investment is the key to getting people back to work.

I would propose investment in the repair and refurbishment of school buildings - serving a vital educational purpose while increasing local jobs.

The current Government scheme for improving energy efficiency of homes and commercial buildings is beneficial and should be rolled out in Dublin West - protecting our environment while putting construction workers back into jobs.

These priorities are essential and realistic and in line with Government policy.

Roderick O’Gorman (Green Party)

The key to providing jobs is targeted investment in certain areas of the economy where Ireland has strengths and where we have a track record of creating employment. The ‘green economy’ is one such strength. Since 2009, energy efficiency schemes introduced by Eamon Ryan have created 6,000 jobs and saved consumers €170 million. I believe such schemes must be continued.

I will push the new Government to market Dublin West as a location for ‘green tech’ jobs, building on companies like IBM and Bell Labs which have already located here.

Tourism and the Agri-foods sector are two other areas where Ireland has the potential to capture the large international for products and destinations that are marketed at ‘green’.

Name the three most important priorities you would seek to address for the Dublin West constituency.

Ruth Coppinger (Socialist Party)

Aside from jobs (as above), resolution of mortgage debt is particularly pressing in Dublin West. Young families are swamped by negative equity/mortgage arrears, combined with childcare costs. The United Left Alliance will be moving a mortgages Bill through the Dáil which will include proposals for a debt write-down and outlawing of the parasitic sub-prime lenders.

Second is education as the young population here is acutely suffering from the ongoing cuts to teachers and SNAs, taking vital help away from children and which must be totally reversed.

Third is the issue of pyrite, devastating a significant number of homes in Dublin West. A remediation fund must be established and the developers, quarries and insurance companies must be made pay.

Paul Donnelly (Sinn Féin)

If elected I would represent all the people of Dublin West who came to me looking for help and support.  If I were to pick three things to prioritise I would say they were the attacks on our health service, in local terms that would be Connolly Hospital.

As someone who has worked in Education for ten years, I would be there to support parents, children and our educators in local schools to ensure they can provide the best education to the next generation of children.  My third priority would be supporting local community led projects, sports and youth organisations. As someone who is actually involved in many community projects, I know first hand the importance of community and community work.

Barry Caesar Hunt (Non Party)

There has to be some form of debt forgiveness. If a family are in financial trouble there should be hope for them.

We need to encourage job growth by introducing a direct credit stream for businesses in which loans will be underwritten by a government agency to stimulate growth and expansion. This will also encourage entrepreneurs and in turn, create jobs.

There are a number of levies under consideration by the government, two of which are water and household taxes. These unwelcome and unnecessary burdens could well be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

I do understand that we have a responsibility to conserve water and I would encourage doing so. The household tax is simply madness. People are struggling to put food on the table, the last thing they need is another tax.

Eithne Loftus (Fine Gael)

If elected a TD for Dublin West, I would like to see more power being given to local Councillors regarding things like waste collection. Councillors are elected by the people to represent them on these issues and need to be the watchdog on behalf of the householder/resident/consumer.

If I am elected I will be pursuing the provision of funding from government departments for additional resources for education in this area, including more secondary schools.

I will also continue to oppose any over-development of Castleknock Village. People don’t want more new shops and apartments.

David McGuinness (Fianna Fáil)

I will work on each and every issue which is of concern to the people of Dublin 15. I have made the point repeatedly that I don’t think we need another silent Government backbencher.

Among my main priorities will be:
Providing protection to those who are under pressure to pay their mortgages. It is vital that strong protection is given to the principal family home.

Transport – issues relating to increased M50 tolls, increased bus and train fares and the unnecessary shelving of important transport projects are of real concern to me.

Investment in sporting facilities over recent years helped to strengthen our community and give an outlet to our young people. I will fight to make sure D15 continues to get its fair share of investment. 

Patrick Nulty (Labour Party)

My key priorities are promoting Job Creation in Dublin West, protecting essential frontline services especially Connolly Hospital and maintaining investment in schools in Dublin 15.

Roderick O’Gorman (Green Party)

I would use the Dáil to fight to protect the Metro North. Along with the DART Interconnector, Metro North is a vital piece of infrastructure for a growing city like Dublin. In the last 5 years, Fingal’s population grew by 14%. By taking the decision to build Metro North, we will create thousands of jobs and ensure that Dublin has the necessary transport infrastructure to attract foreign companies.

The funding of education is a pressing issue, both locally and nationally. I will argue that as the recession eases, we increase our investment in education to 7% of GDP per year by 2020.

Political reform and changing the way we elect our TDs is essential so that the Dáil is made up of people who have the expertise and interest in dealing with national issues, not acting like glorified county councillors.

What skills/talents could you bring to the Dáil to deal with the current national economic crisis?

Ruth Coppinger (Socialist Party)

In terms of contributing as a TD, I have 26 years experience as an activist and 8 years on Fingal Council. I have worked in many walks of life from journalism, to the health service and 12 years as a secondary teacher. I have spoken at many public forums on a wide range of national and economic issues, for example recently debating with the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association.

The Socialist Party/United Left Alliance studies economic and political developments internationally and has several published articles on the Eurozone crisis, debt, the austerity debate among international economists.

We advocate a new way of running the economy with the banks, finance and key industry publicly owned but democratically run for the benefit of society rather than profit of a few to deal with the crisis.

Paul Donnelly (Sinn Féin)

I have been working with the community and empowering communities for many years since I moved out to Dublin West. I have been a political and community activist nearly all my adult life.

I have developed many skills that would be very useful as a public representative, including empathy, listening and negotiating skills. I have the tenacity to continue even when things are not going well. I have fought four elections since 1997.

I have increased my vote each time through hard work and a determination to represent those who have always voted for me and Sinn Féin. That type of determination is in short supply in politics. 

Barry Caesar Hunt (Non Party)

I think my experience in business and my ability to look at situations objectively and constructively would be a valuable asset in the Dáil.

I'm forward thinking. I see a problem and I aim to solve it, not just highlight it and complain about it. We all know the current problems, what we need is people offering solutions to these problems.

This country needs to run like a business, because that's what a country is. It collects money and provides a service, however at the moment we are haemorrhaging money. I would ensure that each government department be accountable for what they are spending and I would insist on making cuts to anything non essential while protecting jobs.

Eithne Loftus (Fine Gael)

By voting for me, voters will be supporting a candidate who is in a position to influence government policy from within as we try work to get this country back on track.

I will be part of a government which has confounded everyone’s expectations in the short time it has been in power. This government has managed to reduce the cost of borrowing to pre-bailout levels while holding onto our Corporation Tax despite massive international pressure.

Unlike others in this race, I will be in a position to put my shoulder to the wheel of national recovery, being part of a government which has a proper programme to get Ireland working again - not a party that has to sit on the sidelines opposing with its hands tied.

David McGuinness (Fianna Fáil)

My background as a teacher gives me a great insight in to the many problems which our community now faces. I have seen first-hand how the recession has hurt families and communities.

Bringing that insight into the Dáil will ensure that I will be a vocal representative. Unlike others in the election, I am not against everything no matter what. I am someone who wants to play a constructive role in solving problems.

I also fail to see what gain the people of Dublin 15 can gain from electing another government TD considering we have two local TDs sitting at the cabinet table. I believe my experience, coupled with great enthusiasm to deliver, will ensure that I can make a real impact in the Dáil. 

Patrick Nulty (Labour Party)

I have a masters degree in Social Policy and so have a good knowledge of best international policy in areas like health, housing and education.

Also, having worked for five years for a housing and homeless charity I have a lot of experience in how legislation works and how to reform and improve bills that are published to make them better for citizens.

Roderick O’Gorman (Green Party)

I have worked all my life in education, currently as a lecturer at 3rd level and previously in the community sector with mature students who had left school early. My experience has made me passionate about the importance of education and the need to broaden out access to education to all sectors of society.

As a law lecturer, I want to use my expertise in Irish Constitutional Law to contribute to the work of the ‘Constitutional Convention’ that the FG/Lab Government have promised to set up. Having recently completed a PhD in EU law, I believe I have a useful perspective on our relationship with the European Union.

Which, if any, of your party’s stated policies, would you seek to change if you were elected to represent this constituency?

Ruth Coppinger (Socialist Party)

I can’t think of any policy I fundamentally disagree with. The Socialist Party has serious discussion and debate among the members. We then come together to work for a major change in society to end the catastrophe facing ordinary people nationally and globally.

Paul Donnelly (Sinn Féin)

As a party representative on the national executive of Sinn Féin for several years I have been at the core of developing our policies. I am very confident that they are the best solutions for the creation of a better Ireland and the recent successes for our party have shown that the people of Ireland are starting to believe that also. 

Eithne Loftus (Fine Gael)

I wouldn’t change any of my party’s policies – on a personal level, working closely with Deputy Leo Varadkar and Councillor Kieran Dennison on a local level, and knowing the Taoiseach as I do, these people are in politics for the right reasons, they do want to work and they do want to make things better. And I feel with my track record of work at a local level, I can make a valid contribution for the people of Dublin West in Dáil Éireann.

David McGuinness (Fianna Fáil)

I have long held the view that people in Ireland expect, and are entitled to, free access to water. If elected to the Dáil, I will actively pursue a policy which gives cast-iron guarantees to the people of Dublin 15 of free access to water. This would be in terms of a generous allowance which would take in the normal daily water usage that a family would have.

I would say that I am in favour of the installation of water meters to ensure those who overuse water will have to pay for it. The positive knock-on from the installation of these meters is the work that will become available for those many construction workers in our area who are currently out of work.

Patrick Nulty (Labour Party)

There are two elements of present government policy which I would like to change and will be campaigning on if elected:

I believe the moratorium on recruitment in the public sector is too rigid particularly with regard to frontline services. For example, Dublin 15 has lost several professional staff in the area of speech and language therapy and special education. I think in this essential frontline services for children exemptions should be given so children and their families get the support they need.

I have never been convinced that spending €600 million on water meters was the right approach. Instead I would prefer that money to be used on fixing leaking pipes, water conservation and securing a water supply for Dublin from the Shannon. I will be campaigning strongly against the present plan if elected.

Roderick O’Gorman (Green Party)

I believe in the values the Green Party was founded on and, as such, I support the policies that the Party puts forward. However, I do think it is important that the Party acknowledges we made mistakes during our period in Government in responding to the economic crisis we inherited.

I am running for election because I want to work within the Dáil to change politics and public life to ensure that the circumstances that brought about the economic crisis can never happen again.

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