Candidates, whose policy and other details are published on this page, have paid a fee for its inclusion.

Candidates names, in both constituencies, are listed in alphabetical order

All material featured here for each candidate has been submitted by each candidate.  Kfm only exercises editorial control for suitability of content.

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KILDARE NORTH (16 candidates)

Bill Clear (Independent) see below!

Avril Corcoran (The Irish People) 

Réada Cronin (Sinn Féin)

Bernard Durkan (Fine Gael) see below!

Aidan Farrelly (Social Democrats) see below!

Angela Feeney (Labour) see below!

Sean Gill (The Centre Party)

Caroline Hogan (Sinn Féin)

James Lawless (Fianna Fáil)

Vincent P. Martin (Green Party) see below!

Joe Neville (Fine Gael)

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Fianna Fáil)

Una O'Connor (Aontú)

Evie Sammon (Fine Gael)

Gerry Waters (Irish Freedom Party)

Leah Whelan (Solidarity-People Before Profit) 

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BILL CLEAR (INDEPENDENT)

Since my election in 2019, and having topped the poll in the June local elections this year, I have demonstrated my commitment to delivering results for the people of the Naas Municipal District.

Now, I am putting myself forward as an Independent candidate to serve the people of Kildare North.

I am a Marine Investigator, married to Anne Marie, and we have three children: two teenage boys in secondary school and a daughter in college.

I have been actively involved in my community for many years, volunteering in various groups.

I currently serve as Chair of Naas Tidy Towns, Vice Chair of Naas Access and Disability Group, Chair of Naas Greenways Group, and as a Coach with Naas Athletics Club.

My achievements and Priorities:

Tackling Housing & Dereliction
I have been actively working to address vacancy and dereliction in our community. Through persistent efforts, including submitting key documents to Kildare County Council, I have helped reduce the number of vacant homes in the area from 72 to just 38, cut derelict sites from 4 to 2, and lowered the number of vacant shops from 25 to 9.

This progress demonstrates my commitment to addressing the housing crisis and revitalising local communities. The approach I’ve used can and should be replicated across the county to ensure more homes are available and to breathe new life into neglected areas.

Tidy Towns Success

As Chair of Naas Tidy Towns, I’m proud to have led our town to win the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) award for the Cleanest Town in Ireland twice. This year, we came within just 2 points of the National Tidy Towns winner, Ballincollig.

These achievements are a testament to my commitment and hard work in delivering real results for our community. I believe in taking action and making a tangible difference where it matters most.

Improving Transport in Kildare North

I’ve been actively working to improve transport infrastructure in our area, securing the installation of 10 raised table crossings, significant upgrades to footpaths and cycle lanes, and making it easier for residents to walk or cycle to school and work.

I’ve also succeeded in getting additional bus stops and services to meet the growing demand for public transport. These improvements should be replicated across Kildare North to ensure better connectivity for all.

I strongly believe the DART+ project should have been extended to Kilcock and Sallins/Naas, and I’ve lobbied extensively for this. It’s deeply frustrating that DART+ won’t be operational until 2029. For the country’s largest commuter county, it’s unacceptable that our communities will have to wait so long. I will continue to advocate for an increase in the number of carriages serving the North Kildare lines to ensure services meet the needs of commuters and ease the pressure on the existing network. 

Improving Health Care for Kildare North
Health care is a constant topic of concern on the doorsteps, and it will be one of my top priorities. I am committed to ensuring that Naas Hospital continues to provide high-quality care for all residents of Kildare, with expanded services and satellite primary health care centers in Leixlip, Celbridge, and Maynooth to improve access for local communities.

A major concern for many parents is the lack of services for children with additional needs. The current system is failing, with long waiting times for assessments and inadequate support once those assessments are completed. We need a healthcare system that meets the needs of families and children with additional needs.

I also strongly believe that everyone over 70 deserves a medical card—they’ve earned it through a lifetime of contribution to our society. It’s time we properly support our older generation with the healthcare they need.

Wasting Your Money
I am deeply frustrated by the waste of taxpayers' money, especially when it includes measures like the USC, which was meant to be a temporary tax, yet continues to burden workers. Meanwhile, the OPW allocated significant funds for things like an expensive bike shed and security hut, but there’s nothing available for essential services like Castletown House. This is just the tip of the iceberg, reflecting how the government is failing to address the real issues that people are raising with me on the doorsteps.

I will hold the government accountable at every opportunity, reminding them that they are spending your money without delivering value—just look at the ongoing cost overruns on the Children's Hospital as a prime example.

Cost of Living
We have failed to address the root causes of the cost of living crisis. Energy companies continue to charge high prices, even as wholesale costs fall. This impacts everyone—especially seniors and struggling businesses. Nobody in government is calling these companies out, but I will.  

Education

Kildare’s population is the second fastest-growing in Ireland, yet our schools are not keeping pace with this growth. While new schools are being built, they are often the same size as the previous ones, without any real forward planning. I will push for all new schools to be 50% larger than existing ones to accommodate future growth.

I am also a strong believer that education should be free, from primary school through to college. Children with intellectual and special needs should have the facilities and opportunities to thrive and continue their education without barriers.

Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Chance for Change

I truly believe our country is moving away from traditional political parties. INDEPENDENT TDs are listening to the people and delivering real results—and I will too, if elected.

As an INDEPENDENT TD, I will use my vote in the Dáil to secure the resources and facilities that Kildare North needs.

To make this happen, I need your No. 1 Vote.

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BERNARD DURKAN T.D. (FINE GAEL)

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CLLR. AIDAN FARRELLY (SOCIAL DEMOCRATS)

I am married to Aisling and have three children: Ella (16), Tadhg (13) and Cillian (9).

I have been a professional youth worker and community development worker in Kildare for 16 years.

Working with young people and in communities inspired me to successfully contest the 2019 local elections for the Social Democrats. Since then, I have proudly represented you and our communities on Kildare County Council, seeking policy change and investment on important issues like housing, youth homelessness, playgrounds and social amenities, public transport and much more.

Why Vote for Aidan:

I am asking for your No. 1 vote in the upcoming general election because I believe now, more than ever, we need to see Social Democrats policies being government policies. 

Catherine Murphy TD has been a mentor and a friend throughout my political career. It will be my honour to continue the great work Catherine has achieved as your TD. 

I stand for: 

• Capping childcare fees at €250 a month and rolling out a public model of childcare. 

• More affordable homes to rent and buy and driving down the cost of housing. 

• An end to child poverty and child and youth homelessness. 

• Full implementation of the Sláintecare plan for a universal healthcare system, free at the point of use. 

• Prioritising investment in quality public services and community facilities.

I am asking for your No. 1 vote in the upcoming general election because I believe now, more than ever, we need to see Social Democrats policies being government policies.

Catherine Murphy TD has been a mentor and a friend throughout my political career. It will be my honour to continue the great work Catherine has achieved as your TD.

Deliver on housing - end the crisis
Addressing the housing disaster is the Social Democrats biggest priority. Key to this is addressing the affordability crisis, which has locked tens of thousands of people out. We want to create an Ireland where young people can see a future and communities can thrive. Affordable housing is an essential foundation for this.
In government we will:
• Build tens of thousands of social and affordable homes every year.
• Bring tens of thousands of empty homes back into use by increasing the vacant homes tax.
• Deliver genuinely affordable homes at scale through the not-for-profit sector.
• Ban the bulk-buying of homes by vulture funds, and end their generous tax breaks.
• Ensure at least 50% of new apartments are available to buy.
• Eradicate homelessness using an ambitious ‘Housing First’ strategy.

A reliable public transport system
One of the starkest differences between Ireland and other European countries is our poor public transport system – which lacks capacity, accessibility and reliability. If we want to reach our climate targets, we must provide alternatives and enhance and expand our public transport system and active transport systems.

In government, the Social Democrats will
• Closely monitor and review the DART+ Projects and BusConnects services.
• Prioritise investment in expanding rail and bus services, and active travel.
• Introduce a free national school bus scheme.Take climate action now

Climate change is an existential threat to lives and livelihoods.
We must do everything in our power to limit its disastrous impacts.
Committing to ambitious climate action will not just ensure we meet our climate targets and avoid €8 billion in EU fines. It will have a hugely positive impact on our country, leading to new employment, warmer homes, cheaper energy, cleaner air and water, more sustainable farming, more liveable towns and cities, and a better quality of life – for everyone.

Our young people deserve dedicated youth spaces to be with their friends and engage with youth work supports in order to become active members of our communities.

Improve our education system

Education is the single greatest driver of opportunity, quality of life and economic growth. Children and young people who have high quality educational experiences have better
health, better life expectancy and better employment prospects. State investment in children and education
is a key priority for the Social Democrats.

In government, we will:
• Make primary, secondary and third-level education genuinely free.
• End so-called “voluntary” contributions by properly funding school running costs.
• End the use of pre-fabs in schools.Childcare that works for you and your family

We will develop a public model of childcare and early childhood education. This would have the triple benefit of guaranteeing quality early years education and care for children, affordability for parents, and decent pay and conditions for workers.

In government, we will:
• Ensure affordability for parents, by capping childcare fees at €250 per month.
• Begin building a public model of childcare and early childhood education.
• Directly build additional childcare settings, beginning in areas of most demand, including on the grounds of schools.
• Work to ensure a highly skilled and fairly paid childcare and early years workforce.

Kildare schools have the highest average class sizes in Ireland.

Kildare has some of the fewest GP’s per head of population.

As our communities grow, our social infrastructure must grow with them.

Cllr Aidan Farrelly: Your Social Democrats General Election Candidate for Kildare North

E: farrelly.aidan@gmail.com

P: 0879614540

F: www.facebook.com/AidanFarrellySD 

***I am a Designated Public Official under Regulation of Lobbying Act, 2015. For more information see: www.lobbying.ie

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CLLR. ANGELA FEENEY (LABOUR)

Since being elected as a public representative in 2019, I have worked tirelessly on all the issues affecting our communities.  I have a proven track record of working for decades in education helping improve the lives of young people.

I am a firm believer in the empowerment of education to society, I have devoted my life to promoting education in all its forms having previously worked as Head of the School of Languages, Law and Social Science in Technological University of Dublin.

I am generations back connected to Kildare and I have seen our towns grow in population without the matched growth in the very basic services for residents. 

Driven by a keen sense of social justice, I have always worked hard in my professional and personal life to help others in any way I can. Through my many years working in education, I understand the importance of education as a force of change and improvement for people’s lives.

I am a fluent speaker of Gaeilge and French and having worked abroad understand the importance of cultural awareness for better social cohesion.

Having been a working mother of three, I am very aware of the need to better support women in the workplace through improved childcare education services and equal pay.

Finally, as a woman in politics, I want to encourage other women to engage in politics and to work hard to promote diversity and fairness.

My priorities are

• The shortage of childcare education provision,
• The lack of social and affordable housing,
• Supporting parents in securing school places for their children,
• The lack of recreational and social amenities for young people,
• Creating equality of access to higher and further education,
• The lack of adequate health services,
• Improving accessibility to support people with disabilities

If elected, I will be a stronger voice for North Kildare.

Is mór an onóir dom bheith roghnaithe mar iarrathóir san Olltoghachán. Tá mé lán-sásta obair a dhéanamh ar son ár dteanga. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.

Website: www.angelafeeney.ie

Labour Party: www.labour.ie

Facebook: cllrangelafeeney

Instagram: cllrangelafeeney

Contact Details: afeeney@kildarecoco.ie 087 2381962

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SENATOR VINCENT P. MARTIN (GREEN PARTY)

I have been a Senator since 2020 where I have been a consistent voice for climate and social justice. My main priority is to demand that our county receives the necessary increase in services and facilities to meet the significant increase in our population.

We urgently need more affordable housing, GPs, school and crèche places, and new recreational and playground facilities. We need a transport revolution that puts public transport, walking, and cycling first.

I have introduced and published the most Bills in the current Seanad. Using my experience as a barrister (Senior Counsel), I have drafted Bills covering a wide range of topics from supporting biodiversity to a series of five Bills to protect victims of domestic violence.

The Government has taken on board some of my legislative proposals. I am delighted that my Bill to protect the native Irish honeybee from becoming extinct has passed all legislative stages in the Seanad. Securing a Dáil seat would allow me to progress further and enact into law more of these legislative initiatives.

Vote Vincent P. Martin No. 1 for a strong, green voice advocating for the people of Kildare North.

ABOUT VINCENT P. MARTIN SC

» Vincent is passionate about improving the quality of life of our local communities, especially in the challenging context of a growing population in Ireland’s largest commuter county. Due to the county’s population increase, the Kildare North Dáil Constituency has increased from a 4 to a 5 seat constituency. Having just missed out on being elected in the last general election, Vincent believes the time is now to elect the county’s first ever Green TD.

» As the Green Party’s foreign affairs spokesperson, he has consistently condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israeli regime’s barbaric and completely disproportionate response to the horrific events of 7th October 2023.

» Vincent is the founding Chairperson of the hugely successful annual Féile Liam O’Flynn, which celebrates the musical legacy of renowned Kildare uileann piper, Liam O’Flynn.

» He is the founder and director of GOING PLASTIC FREE IRELAND (GPF) which main aim is to eradicate single use plastic from our community.

» He devised the annual schools’ mock trials competition, and during his tenure, the visiting law programme (PAL) was delivered to 150,000 pupils nationwide (1998-2020).

» He is co-founder of the New Beginning group of lawyers that offered support and free legal advice to thousands facing the imminent loss of their homes during the last recession.

» He is a founding member and education officer of the Wine Society of Ireland and a member of Bird Watch Kildare and Kildare IFA.

» Former President of Maynooth Students’ Union, Vincent began his working career as a secondary school teacher.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS

The need for progressive, green politics around the world

been so compelling and urgently needed. Now

MY PRIORITIES ARE:

• Inclusive climate action for a
• sustainable future.
• Affordable housing for all.
• Public transport you can rely on.
• School places and affordable
• childcare for all, and valuing the
• work of carers in our homes and
• communities.
• Social justice for those who have
• consistently been marginalised,
• ignored or oppressed.

SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

I have drafted the most Bills in the Seanad, including an unprecedented five Bills alone to help protect victims of domestic violence. The Government has taken on board some of my legislative proposals.

Co-authors of the recently published book, Domestic Violence; Law and Practice in Ireland, Keith Walsh SC & Sonya Dixon BL, are on record saying,

“If Senator Martin’s latest Bill is enacted, it will remove more obstacles for victims of coercive control to come forward and report crimes to An Garda Síochána. It re-examines and restructures an important part of the criminal process from the viewpoint of a victim of coercive control while

balancing the rights of the alleged perpetrator. It is yet another example of the low-key but very effective work done by Senator Vincent P. Martin and his Senatorial colleagues in overhauling the Domestic Violence Act 2018, piece by piece. All those involved at the coalface in the family justice system owe them a continuing debt of gratitude.”

BENEFITS OF THE GREEN ECONOMY

Building on the green skills agenda kick-started by the 2020 Programme for Government, I will ensure that the benefits of the new Green Economy are felt in every part of North Kildare.

Further education, training and higher education in new green skills for school leavers and those returning to employment is key for our constituency’s prosperity. We can benefit from new jobs in energy, biodiversity, land management, water, sustainability and heritage, and I will work to ensure funding and opportunities are fairly allocated for Kildare’s green jobs transformation.

HOUSING

» Tackling the housing crisis is a key priority of mine, to ensure that we have affordable housing for all.

» I will work tirelessly for the ramping up of well-planned, quality social and affordable homes on public land.

» I will prioritise the effective implementation of measures to increase land use and tackle vacancy and dereliction in our communities.

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KILDARE SOUTH (15 candidates)

Cathal Berry (Independent) see below!

Melissa Byrne (Aontú)

Willie Carton (Independent Ireland )

Anthony Casey (Irish Freedom Party) see below!

Rob Cosgrave (Solidarity-People Before Profit)

Edel Doran (Independent Ireland)

Martin Heydon (Fine Gael) see below!

Tom McDonnell (Independent)

Shonagh Ní Raghallaigh (Sinn Fein)

Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fáil) see below!

Leanne O'Neill (Independent)

Chris Pender (Social Democrats)

Patricia Ryan (Independent) see below!

Monaa K. Sood (Green Party) 

Senator Mark Wall (Labour) see below!

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