Dan Carson, the Fine Gael candidate up for election in the County Council of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, recently shared some shocking experiences from his campaign trail. Revealing that he was once threatened to be hung from an electrical wire for putting up electoral posters, the 22-year-old computer science student insists that he is, however, immune to the intense backlash he receives on social media ever since he launched his campaign in the Blackrock local electoral area.
Despite originating from an apolitical family and growing up in a two-bedroom council house, Carson has been a party member since he was 16. His decision to join Fine Gael was influenced by his mother’s teachings on hard work and the necessity of managing an inherently unfair world. He appreciates the party’s commitment to providing equal opportunities, viewing it as a platform where anyone can achieve success.
Carson, who recently finished his university exams and temporarily left his operations manager role at Currys, plans to prioritise personal interactions over digital communication for his campaign. He believes in the genuine power of face-to-face dialogues for understanding voters’ beliefs, insisting he wouldn’t ever vote for someone he has not personally met.
While canvassing around Woodlands Park—one of his three daily sessions—issues such as traffic, healthcare and housing were the main concerns among potential voters. Carson, who still resides at his family home, contends that his generation of Fine Gael members not only recognises but also experiences the housing crisis. However, he disagrees with blaming Fine Gael for the housing crisis citing it as a larger global issue, but acknowledges it as their responsibility given the party’s governance since 2011.
Despite the jests regarding his youthful look, which he laughs off, James Stokes, at a tender age of 18, is understood to be the youngest candidate for the local Irish elections, representing Sinn Féin in Newbridge, County Kildare. Inspired by his grandfather, also named James Stokes, who was a passionate Traveller rights activist, the younger Stokes found his cause in activism. It was during his internship with Sinn Féin that he felt the inclusive warmth and the genuine concern the party showed for him and people at large which solidified his allegiance to the party.
While pursuing his primary teaching course at Maynooth University, he advocated for connecting his hometown, Newbridge, and the university city, Maynooth, with a public bus facility. His efforts, which amassed 500 petitions, only to be disregarded by Eamon Ryan, the Minister of Transport, spurred his resolution to partake in the election. He aspires to represent the youth and Travellers, to ensure that their perspectives are considered and changes made.
Meanwhile, Joey Kennedy, a young candidate from Fianna Fáil, is contesting from Graiguecullen-Portarlington, County Laois. Raised in a political environment with strong ties to Fianna Fáil, Joey is encouraged by the fact that despite being doused in tea at one stop, an overwhelming 90% response from the public has been supportive. Preferring the traditional approach, he emphasizes personal interaction in politics and listens to his constituents’ voices. He believes that being elected would attest to the faith people have in him and their desire for transformation.
In the same election district, the Green Party is represented by twenty-year-old Charlie Hackett, accompanied by his parents, Pippa Hackett, a Senator and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, and his father, Mark, a councillor. The family was seen putting up their election campaigns together.
John Lonergan, aged 19, is the youngest significantly contributing member of the Labour party, with ambitions of securing a seat on the Dublin City Council for Ballymun-Finglas. Despite his youth and the occasional query about his experience from voters, Lonergan says he receives much positive encouragement. An active previous member of both his primary and secondary school student councils and the Irish Health Foundation Youth Advisory Board, he’s had a long-standing passion for politics. He understands that politics influences everything, extending to avenues such as road management and investment in local football clubs. He takes great delight in expanding his understanding of his local area and its people, enjoying the freshness and enthusiasm they perceive in him.
Initially, his family had some apprehension but his demonstrated capabilities instilled confidence and support in them, evidenced in their assistance with pamphlet distribution. The youngest candidate from Fine Gael, Ben Ward, has put his name in the hat for the Tullow electoral region in Carlow. He will cross the threshold of 21, a few days before the critical voting day. His interest in politics sparked during the Covid-hit Leaving Cert year when he found himself reaching out to Norma Foley regarding decisive actions of representation.
Mistura Oyebanji, the youngest candidate of the Social Democrats at 25, is vying for a spot in Tralee, Co Kerry. Post-graduation, she took on her first job during the Covid pandemic. Experiencing community grievances stirred her disaffection with active politicians. This motivated her to delve into the nuances of various political parties. She found an inclination towards Holly Cairns and her party, even while some of her acquaintances were more inclined towards Sinn Féin.
Melissa Byrne, aged 24, is the youngest individual to contest for Aontú in Newbridge, County Kildare. “I’ve always been fascinated by politics, but it wasn’t until Aontú came into the picture that I found a party I genuinely connected with. It was shortly after their formation that I committed to being a member.” She appreciates the guidance of Peadar Tóibín, the party leader, and shares Aontú’s ambition “to improve the quality of life for the public at large, give the people a voice, and ensure fairness in economic distribution.” “As I walk along the streets and catch sight of my campaign posters, or when my mates send me photos of my posters they come across, it brings a sense of thrill. It’s a new experience for them but they are truly appreciative of my endeavour.”