Des Dalton pledges to fight for real change in Athy

SPEAKING at a press conference held in Athy and which was also attended by the President of Republican Sinn Féin Ruairí Ó Brádaigh on Friday May 8 Republican Sinn Féin candidate for Athy Town Council Des Dalton said: “Now more than ever strong and principled local political leadership is needed here in Athy. People are struggling to protect their jobs and in many cases their homes. As a trade union Shop Steward and Vice President of the Athy Branch of SIPTU I am dealing everyday with the consequences of the collapse of the economy for ordinary people. Today over 2,000 people are now signing on the live register in Athy

“The recent announcement that the much talked about ‘decentralisation’ of the Revenue Commission jobs to Athy is now to be put ‘on hold indefinitely’ contrasts with what real decentralisation is about. Unlike the present system of local administration, real local government is about putting the services and most importantly the decision making process in the hands of local communities and not at the whim of civil servants and politicians in Dublin.” Des Dalton said

As a member of Athy Town Council Des Dalton said he would be fighting for the following issues:

• The construction of the Southern Distributor road and the drafting of a traffic management plan for Athy.

• A reliable and clean water supply for the people of Athy, ensuring no repeat of the fiasco which saw water supplies cut because of flooding in January 2008.

• The provision of affordable and social housing. At a time when many people suffer the fear of home repossession by the banks and lending institutions local authorities can provide an alternative and secure path to home-ownership.

• The involvement of young people and youth organisations in the development and support of youth services in Athy. This ensures active involvement by young people in addressing the issues which affect them - making politics relevant to them.

• Establishment of a community forum. Such a body would complement the work of the Town Council whilst also providing a platform for the people of the town to set the agenda on the issues which are important to them and come up with working proposals. Democracy shouldn’t just happen once every five years – it must involve people every day in between elections also.

Des Dalton is a native of Athy and has been a member of Republican Sinn Féin for 20 years. He has served as Vice President since 2003. He played a leading role in organising Republican Sinn Féin’s campaign against the Lisbon Treaty in 2008.

He is an active member of SIPTU serving as a Shop Steward and was recently elected Vice President of the Athy Branch of SIPTU. A keen supporter of Gaelic games he is also a member of Athy GFC and Club Kildare.