Tipperary election candidate says 'Independents have no influence in Government'

"No one has a monopoly on wisdom. Everyone seeking office shares the same idea to try to make a difference for the betterment of the people and the country. Some take the party route, others the Independent one." says General Election candidate Cllr Michael Smith. 

"Massive support for Independents over a long number of years has not benefited the town of Thurles and its hinterland to the degree it might. The failure to relieve traffic congestion is ample testament to that fact. The completion of the relief roads has to a top priority and if elected I will do everything in my power to ensure that the necessary funds are provided. 

"Talk about a by-pass is only a pipe dream. Were it to be decided now which is unlikely, it would take 12-15 years to bring it anywhere near fruition. Legal issues around the design and acquisition as well as funding problems would dominate for far too long. 

"Independents have no influence in Government and no say as to how Government wishes to proceed. They are outside the rooms where the major decisions are made. Contrast this with a seat in or near the government table. When my father was a TD and Minister for the area Thurles experienced major investment, funds were provided to build a third level college, a new community hospital and €1m for Semple Stadium. A Gaelscoil was built, and funds were provided to develop other facilities including the Presentation and Ursuline schools. 

"We are now in a new era. Financial resources are available to address problems facing us in an unprecedented way. Solving issues like housing, utilising empty and derelict buildings as well as support for investments in enterprise and small businesses can be faced with an air of confidence. Health issues, long waiting lists, support for carers, availability of GPs are among the matters that dominate at the doorstep and must be dealt with compassion, extra funding and renewed energy. 

"Pressure to attract medium to large industry must be exerted so as to keep our graduates and qualified young people at home. My ambition if elected is to work closely with my colleagues, local communities, business interests and the agricultural sector to make a real difference in North Tipperary and North West Kilkenny."