Why I got involved in politics

I got involved in politics because I was angry about inequalities in the world around me and I wanted to channel that anger to positively change the world around me.

Through my involvement in politics I have actively contributed locally in Wicklow and Bray by organising campaigns for improved Bus services in Bray and Enniskerry and successfully campaigning to halt proposed cutbacks to bus services in Enniskerry.

I volunteered as campaign leader with the successful grassroots referendum campaigns to introduce marriage equality and repealing the 8th amendment.

I recently assisted the setting up of a community group that combats racism locally in Bray.

My priorities

Affordable and Social Housing

  • As a priority, I will fight to ensure increased construction of good quality housing to meet housing need and to use well-planned social and affordable housing to revitalise the town core

Local Democracy

  •  The establishment of a new Bray Town Council with powers in planning, housing and environmental services. The failed experiment of centralising powers at Wicklow County Council must be reversed.
  • Citizens in Bray Municipal District to be involved in decision making of Wicklow County Council Budgets

Protection of The Environment

As a seaside town with fine natural assets, Bray needs a specific plan of action to combat Climate Change by;

  • Assisting local households to manage their carbon emissions,
  • Encouraging public transport and provide for pedestrians and cyclists,
  • Effectively managing car parking & traffic to get the town moving,
  • Focusing on relocation of employment into Bray to reduce commuter travel,
  • Protection of the Harbour from storm damage and development of its use for leisure purposes.

Decent public amenities

  • High speed Broadband for all local areas ensuring that rural areas do not get overlooked,
  • Retention and expansion of current bus services to Enniskerry and Kilmacanogue while exploring options for new rural transport links,
  • The provision of high quality quality public transport for all of Bray

My background

I am a native of Bray, went to school locally in St Cronans and Presentation College. My late Parents Dick and Maura McGahon ran businesses in Bray for decades. I have seen our area flourish and also at times struggle.

We are a fantastic community with many great assets and amenities. I am passionate about our positive change in our local community.

I currently work with the National Advocacy Service as an advocate for people with disabilities. Previously I worked locally in Sunbeam House Services supporting people with intellectual disabilities. I have always been an active member of our community in Bray and the wider community, working and volunteering on the many causes that are important to me.

As a campaigner I have achieved a lot for our local area including but not limited to; delivering high numbers of local yes votes and high turnover in the marriage equality and repeal the eighth referenda, successfully campaigning to retain the 185 Bus service to Enniskerry which was threatened with removal.

Clubs and Committees

I have been active or volunteered with the following groups;

  • Bray Tidy Towns,
  • Bray Coast Care,
  • Bray Toastmasters,
  • Wicklow Civil Defence,
  • Wicklow Yes Equality,
  • North Wicklow Together For Yes,
  • Labour Party LGBT Group,
  • Bray Refugee Solidarity,
  • Wicklow Sanctuary Runners,
  • Bray For Love,
  • Keep Enniskerry Connected.