Whelan pledges to open Monastervin office iof elected

Issued : Monday 8 February, 2016

 Senator John Whelan has given a formal commitment to open a constituency office in Monasterevin if he is elected a TD.

The Labour candidate for the new 3-seater constituency of Laois which now incorporates a large tract of south Kildare, did so after another day-long canvass in Monasterevin on Saturday, during which he was joined by Tanaiste Joan Burton and a large contingent of family and supporters.

I fully realise and respect that many people in Monsterevin, Kildangan, Nurney, Kilberry and Castlemitchell are not over the moon about being annexed into Laois for the purpose of the general election. This is understandable as everyone is proud of their county and their identity.

However, out of this problem for south Kildare voters comes a great opportunity.

I grew up and went to school in Monasterevin, my late father, Paddy Whelan was immersed in all aspects of community, sporting and voluntary life around Monasterevin. The people in this community know our family, know our form and know that we can be trusted. Some people turning up in Monasterevin this past few weeks are pretenders and won't be seen in the place again, once the election is over.

I grew up in St Evin's Park in Monasterevin, where the Tanaiste canvassed with me on Saturday, and even took time to pop into my Mam's home to have a cup of tea. I know the town and the locality inside out. It has been neglected and it will be marginalised even further if it doesn't have strong representation in the next Dail. If elected I will open a constituency office in Monasterevin to help give the area the full time political and public representation it requires.

I have worked hard since being elected a Senator to secure two new schools for the town, but so much more is needed as the areas population continues to grow - with more new housing estates already under construction.

We need more new homes for families, but improved services and facilities too are urgently required. Monasterevin feels neglected and marginalized and one way to rectify that is the entire community to come out behind the local man. Monasterevin deserves improved health and GP services; a youth cafe and it's long overdue sports and recreation facilities. The community has done its part, now it's time for government to play its part and match the local endeavour and contribution.

Monasterevin Parish can achieve this by putting aside partisan party political rivalries and on this occasion backing the local man, voting number one for me to help make the difference and along with Laois voters put a local lad from St Evin's Park in the Dail.