We sent a questionnaire to all 8 candidates running in the Moate Electoral Area in the forthcoming Westmeath County Council election. The responses were published in print in the Westmeath Independent last Wednesday.
NAME: Vinny McCormack
ADDRESS: Stoneleigh, Ballymore
PARTY: Fianna Fáil
SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:
Making sure that rural communities have the supports and services needed to create a high quality of life for all local people.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?
Perhaps it shouldn’t be like this, but over the past five years I’ve been involved in countless development and enhancement projects across the Moate electoral area, and understanding how the various funding streams operate, and how best to access them, is incredibly important.
There are huge opportunities available to further grow and enhance these communities in the next few years, and I want the opportunity to continue this work and make sure that these communities, my home area, doesn’t miss out.
WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?
Safety for vulnerable road users in towns and villages is crucial. I believed this before I was blessed with two children over the last five years, and I’m certain of it now. I’ve recently secured a commitment to provide an annual budget to put in place speed reduction/safety measures on a priority basis, and there’s lots more to be done.
Looking through a wider lens, we need to protect the viability of our small towns and villages. People in these areas have so much to offer Irish society, and rural depopulation threatens that – it threatens everyone, urban and rural.
WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?
In politics, I really admire Bernie Sanders and his passion for social justice. As a GAA man – hats off to Jim McGuinness.
TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I’ve been a Newcastle United fan for years. It’s been a long road.
