Voters in Co Longford express worry over housing, immigration and emigration issues, in a council election where 39 contenders are vying for 18 positions spread across three municipal regions. Only a meagre representation of 10, equalling 25.6 per cent of the aspirants, are women with Ballymahon and Granard fielding two each and Longford six.
In terms of party representation, Independents form the largest group with 13 candidates. Meanwhile, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are presenting 10 nominees each, Sinn Féin three and single candidates come from Irish People, People Before Profit and the Green Party.
The 2019 elections saw Fine Gael emerge as the dominant party here, claiming nine seats evenly divided across the three regions. Fianna Fáil secured six and three went to Independents.
John Brown (FG) and Gerry Warnock (Ind) of Longford, along with PJ Reilly (FF) of Granard, three current council members, are not contesting in this election. However, Warnock is planning to run in the forthcoming general election.
The electorate’s worries include migration, inadequate housing and increasing rates of homelessness. Issues like access to GPs, the conditions of roads and pavements, speeding in residential areas and a deficit of school places are also frequently raised.
Residents in the Longford voting area are also apprehensive about an ongoing hiring freeze in the HSE, worrying that it might force young employees to emigrate and existing overburdened staff to seek opportunities elsewhere.
In total, there are six seats in Ballymahon, five in Granard, and seven in Longford.