Electoral Areas and Candidates

(Information based on details supplied by candidates or from their public statements. Pix used where available.)

ATHY AREA	3 SEATS
Corcoran, Vincent	FF	Contractor.
Dalton, Mark	FF	Purchasing Clerk.
Hendy, Rainsford	FG	Farmer and businessman. Outgoing councillor. Has a mainly rural constituency and a particular interest in making sure that the local roads are kept in proper order and are safe for pedestrians and motorists alike.
Lynch, John	FG	Farmer and businessman. Full information at his own website here.
Miley, Martin	FF	Outgoing councillor. Has fought long for the provision of an adequate water system for the southern part of Kildare. It was recently announced.
O'Brien, Mags	LAB	Housewife.
Wall, Jack	LAB	Sitting TD. Spokesman for his party on defence matters. Has particularly promoted the development of Barrow River based business potential.
Wright, Paddy	SF	Cemetary caretaker. Outgoing councillor.

CELBRIDGE AREA	3 SEATS
Boylan, Gay	FF	Company director. Very involved in community affairs over many years and was one of the people behind the development of the Mill community enterprise complex. Says he will work to 'redress the neglect' of the Celbridge area by former councillors and to expedite the construction of the Celbridge Motorway Link. Is also concerned about teenage drink and drug abuse.
Byrne, Mairead		Principal teacher. Campaigned for many community needs and served as chairperson of Celbridge Community Council.
Clinton, Mark	FF	Company director. Wants to 'put the heart and soul back into Celbridge' by addressing traffic problems and as well as local aspects of the environment and the provision of better sport and recreational facilities.
Conway, Geraldine	FF	Nurse.
Mullarkey, Brian	FG	Glazier. Along with fellow-FG candidate Mark Clinton, feels that Celbridge Main Street 'needs to be given back to its residents as a viable shopping and amenity area'.
Percival, Marie	Green Party	Psychotherapist.
Stagg, Emmet	LAB	Sitting TD. As party spokesman on the environment has long campaigned against Sellafield. On local issues he is concerned about the need for an extended or second post office in Celbridge
Walsh, Kathleen	NP	Community worker. Building on her work as a member of Celbridge Community Council she is asking voters to change from the party system and elect someone who's work 'has already improved other people's lives'.

CLANE AREA	4 SEATS
Davey, Seamus	FF	Insurance agent.
Fitzpatrick, Michael	FF	Assistant to the minister for finance.
Holton, Bernie	NP	Housewife.
McEvoy, Tony	NP	Retired teacher. A longtime worker for the development of Clane as a viable community and in more recent years an activist in planning matters and a founder member of the Kildare Planning Alliance.
Mooney, Joan	LAB	Community development officer.
Murphy, Rose	LAB	Information officer with the CIC.
Nealon, John	NP	Teacher
Reilly, Jim	FG	Public representative. Outgoing councillor. Has been chairman of the Kildare County Council for the past year and earned a reputation as someone who could keep things well under control.
Sheridan, P J	FF	Public representative. Outgoing councillor. Has served as vice-chair of the Kildare County Council for the past year.
Stynes, Garry	LAB	Fitter.
Weld, Brendan	FG	Farmer.

KILDARE AREA	6 SEATS
Aspell, Murty	NP	Security guard. Outgoing Newbridge TC.
Browne, Francis	NP	Public representative. Outgoing councillor. His main interest has been in the provision of housing and adequate roads and water in the Kildangan and Nurney area.
Connolly, Breda	FF	Office administrator.
Dardis, John	PD	Senator and agricultural journalist. Has worked for a wide variety of issues in both the urban and rural areas of mid-Kildare. Has strong interest in environmental matters and in particular the River Liffey and its preservation from both pollution and excessive abstraction.
Dukes, Fionnuala	FG	Homemaker and the woman behind Fine Gael TD Alan Dukes.
Ennis, Tom	LAB	Self-employed.
Finn, Seamus	NP	Painter. Outgoing Newbridge TC, where he has served for the past year as chairman with a great degree of accomplishment. Is particularly involved with working to make sure that local authority tenants in Newbridge have proper housing, properly maintained, and with adequate roads and lighting.
Foxe, Allan	FG	Estate agent.
Keane, Jim	LAB	Public representative. Outgoing councillor. Has been strongly involved in local matters such as the provision of adequate and properly maintained public lighting.
Nolan, Michael Spike	FG	Businessman. Outgoing KCC councillor and Newbridge TC. A longtime public representative, he has worked on a wide range of issues at local level, from twinning to the provision of speed controls in Newbridge town and its estates. He is also interested in local broadcasting matters.
O'Fearghaill, Sean	FF	Farmer. Outgoing councillor. Has particular interests in the development of Kildare town and in the needs of the members of the defence forces.
O'Loughlin, Fiona	FF	Teacher. Outgoing Newbridge TC. Comes from a traditional Fianna Fail family and hopes to gain the seat just vacated by her father. Is particularly interested in education, women's affairs and the North of Ireland. Has worked for the improvement of youth facilities in Newbridge.
O'Neill, John	FF	Public representative. Outgoing KCC councillor and Newbridge TC. Particular interests include traffic, housing, and road maintenance.
Podger, Percy		Sheep farmer and environmentalist. Most recently noted for direct action at County Hall in efforts to have danger signs erected on the Curragh.
Price, Henry		Butcher/writer.

LEIXLIP AREA	4 SEATS
Armstrong, Leo	Green Party	Organic market manager.
Canning, Laura	FF	Insurance agent. Wants the provision of extra facilities for the young people of Maynooth and Leixlip, and also wants the problem of litter tackled properly. Speeding cars in residential areas also needs to be dealt with, by an increased garda presence in the towns.
Griffin, Senan	FG	Teacher. Has particular interest in education matters and the provision of adequate facilities and infrastructures for the proper development of North Kildare.
Kelly, Paul	FF	Solicitor. Outgoing member of Leixlip TC. Has worked particularly for the provision of adequate litter clearing and parking facilities for Leixlip.
McGinley, John	LAB	ESB technologist. Outgoing councillor. A wide range of local interests include working for the residents of North Kildare's many burgeoning estates.
Murphy, Catherine	LAB	Public representative. Outgoing councillor. Has worked throughout North Kildare for the needs of its rapidly-increased population. Sustainable planning and traffic matters are particular interests.
Purcell, Colm	LAB	Supervisor. Outgoing councillor and Leixlip TC.

NAAS AREA	5 SEATS
Burchall, Louise	Green Party	Reservation supervisor.
Callaghan, Willie	FF	Printer. Outgoing Naas UDC. Has worked particularly towards the provision of proper roads and footpaths for decent access to new estates in Naas. Organiser of Naas Easter Parade and a supporter of litter control, sporting activities and proper health services. Supporter of Naas Development Plan. Keen interest in sports facilities.
Conway, Timmy	PD	Accountant. Outgoing KCC councillor and Naas UDC. A strong proponent of housing and commercial/industrial development. Basing his campaign in Naas on his support for the Naas Town Development Plan, of which he was a main promoter ... he said that ‘hype’ being generated against the plan was a result of ‘the people not understanding it’ and he said he was confident that he would be able to survive the opposition to it. “I’ve been on the council for 25 years and have always been reelected.”
Egan, Anthony		Sales agent. Concerned with the fallout from a Naas which expanded rapidly without a corresponding increase in infrastructure. Says previous councillors have left the town with traffic chaos, water shortages, sewage overload, overcrowded schools and a lack of recreation facilities. Though technically non-party, is running under the aegis of the Naas Planning Alliance. Has been involved with NEDI and other community activities, including his local residents associations, and he says the local politicians ‘are not representing the ordinary people who are paying their mortgages and trying to live’.
Glennon, Mary		Journalist/homemaker. Though technically non-party, is running under the aegis of the Naas Planning Alliance. “I’m in a unique position in that I was born and bred in the town, left here for ten years to work in Dublin, then came back in 1986. I have the benefit of being able to see the changes, a lot of which are very good, but I was quietly seething at the sudden, unprecedented development going on in the town, without any corresponding infrastructure. Older people in particular feel completely alienated about what’s happening in the town, and I’m confident that they too will be out voting for me on the day. At least we’re an independent voice and we will communicate with people, let them know what’s happening - which hasn’t happened up up to now - and respond accordingly.”
Hillis, Billy	FG	Self-employed. Founder member of Naas District Executive FG. Prioritises organised planning of county, improvement of rural roads, environmental protection and reform of local government.
Kelly, Liam	FF	Machine Operator.
Lawlor, Anthony	NP	Farmer. Outgoing councillor. Has prioritised urban and rural issues which include more structured planning, improved road safety, increased funding for county roads, more facilities for primary and secondary education, and immediate development and increased funding for Naas Hospital.
MacNamara, Paddy	LAB	Lecturer. Running on a platform of Stop Rezoning Madness. '3,000 voices weren't listened to when Naas UDC passed the development plan - scrap the councillors, scrap the plan.'
Moore, Seamie	NP	Sales Manager. Outgoing Naas UDC.
O'Reilly, Pat	FG	Retired printer. Longtime member of FG. Chairman of Naas TwinningCommittee. Main priorities are more finance for improvement of county roads, provision of second level school in Kill, provision of pedestrian crossing in Sallins and the provision of more houses at a reasonable rent.
Power, J J	Green Party	Technician. Outgoing KCC councillor. Strongly involved in environmental issues and sustainable development.
Power, Sean	FF	Sitting TD.

NAAS UDC	9 SEATS
Behan, Paddy	FF	Manager. Outgoing councillor (Chairman). Strong interest in local history and drama. Feels UDC salvaged 'best deal possible' on sale of Devoy Barracks.
Bolger, Carmel	FF	Teacher. Particular interests include education, accessable childcare, and shorter waiting lists for residential care for children with disabilities. A proponent of a minimum wage.
Bracken, Evelyn	NP	Housewife. Outgoing councillor. Full profile as submitted here.
Burchall, Louise	Green Party	Reservation supervisor.
Byrne, Charlie	FF	Outgoing councillor. Issues include hospital services, footpaths, windows and graves ... a ‘man of the people’ for Naas. Has always dealt with ‘people issues’ before political ones. In recent times the only Fianna Fail councillor to take the side of the the town’s manager and planner against what he feels is ‘runaway’ development in the town development plan. The cost of housing is a serious problem, he feels, particularly for young people. Charlie has also been a proponent for the provision of a shelter for women in Naas, and a help phone line for families at risk. Is a particular champion of Naas Hospital.
Callaghan, Willie	FF	Printer. Outgoing Naas UDC. Has worked particularly towards the provision of proper roads and footpaths for decent access to new estates in Naas. Organiser of Naas Easter Parade and a supporter of litter control, sporting activities and proper health services. Supporter of Naas Development Plan. Keen interest in sports facilities.
Cannon, Mary	NP	Teacher. Concerns include radiation from ESB lines.
Conway, Timmy	PD	Accountant. Outgoing KCC councillor and Naas UDC. A strong proponent of housing and commercial/industrial development. Basing his campaign in Naas on his support for the Naas Town Development Plan, of which he was a main promoter ... he said that ‘hype’ being generated against the plan was a result of ‘the people not understanding it’ and he said he was confident that he would be able to survive the opposition to it. “I’ve been on the council for 25 years and have always been reelected.”
Egan, Anthony		Sales agent. Concerned with the fallout from a Naas which expanded rapidly without a corresponding increase in infrastructure. Says previous councillors have left the town with traffic chaos, water shortages, sewage overload, overcrowded schools and a lack of recreation facilities. Though technically non-party, is running under the aegis of the Naas Planning Alliance. Has been involved with NEDI and other community activities, including his local residents associations, and he says the local politicians ‘are not representing the ordinary people who are paying their mortgages and trying to live’.
Glennon, Mary		Journalist/homemaker. Though technically non-party, is running under the aegis of the Naas Planning Alliance. “I’m in a unique position in that I was born and bred in the town, left here for ten years to work in Dublin, then came back in 1986. I have the benefit of being able to see the changes, a lot of which are very good, but I was quietly seething at the sudden, unprecedented development going on in the town, without any corresponding infrastructure. Older people in particular feel completely alienated about what’s happening in the town, and I’m confident that they too will be out voting for me on the day. At least we’re an independent voice and we will communicate with people, let them know what’s happening - which hasn’t happened up up to now - and respond accordingly.”
Kinchella, John	FF	Businessman. Involvements include Tidy Towns, No Name Club and other organisations. Recently instrumental in setting up an umbrella organisation for residents' associations in Naas. Wants to see Naas designated as a Heritage Town.
Logan, Denis	FG	Accountant.
MacNamara, Paddy	LAB	Lecturer. Running on a platform of Stop Rezoning Madness. '3,000 voices weren't listened to when Naas UDC passed the development plan - scrap the councillors, scrap the plan.'
McCarthy, Pat	LAB	Teacher. Running on a platform of Stop Rezoning Madness. '3,000 voices weren't listened to when Naas UDC passed the development plan - scrap the councillors, scrap the plan.'
Moore, Seamie	NP	Outgoing councillor.
O'Keefe, Conor	FG	Contract Cleaner.
O'Kelly, Martina	LAB	Running on Naas planning and infrastructures issues. Says there needs to be more schools, better roads. More detail here.
O'Reilly, Pat	FG	Retired printer. Longtime member of FG. Chairman of Naas TwinningCommittee. Main priorities are more finance for improvement of county roads, provision of second level school in Kill, provision of pedestrian crossing in Sallins and the provision of more houses at a reasonable rent.
Power, J J	Green Party	Technician. Outgoing KCC councillor. Strongly involved in environmental issues and sustainable development.

NEWBRIDGE TC	SEATS
Aspell, Murty	NP	Outgoing commissioner.
Black, Pat	FF	His particular interests are traffic management, town development, and the 'need to make new people feel a part of the community'. "We also need to get local voluntary organisations into a position where they feel they have a part in the decision-making that affects them."
Carey, Meda	PD	A strong record of commitment to Newbridge through the Tidy Towns and the Newbridge Access Group. Said her canvassing showed a strong feeling that the Town Commission ‘should reflect the people who are now living in the town’. “It’s clearly a time for change on the commission.”
Daly, Richard	LAB	Outgoing commissioner.
Ennis, Tom	LAB
Feeney, Colm	FF	Teacher. Outgoing commissioner. Particular attention to the possible social fallout if a significant number of people found themselves unable to fund their mortgages on their homes, at a time when no new house in Newbridge is selling at less than £100,000. "I'm not trying to be alarmist, but we'd be on course for serious social unrest in the near future if it happens," he said. "The Government should be prepared to provide relief in the event. People on the average industrial wage, and even teachers, have no way to buy houses at these prices."
Finn, Seamus	NP	Outgoing commissioner (Chairman).
Maginn, Brian	FG
Murphy, Christy	FG
Nolan, Michael Spike	FG	Outgoing commissioner & KCC councillor.
O'Brien, Ray	FF	Businessman. Outgoing commissioner. Commissioners have very little real power given their budget of £80,000 a year. "I could turn that over selling four cars in a morning," he said. "It's a situation in stark contrast to the German town we're twinned with, which has a smaller population and an annual budget of £8 million." But he warns that if Newbridge ever achieved UDC status, that its business people could be faced with funding a 'huge' debt because the County Council would demand payment for infrastructures put in place. "Whatever our future status is, we will not pay for what the Department of the Environment has put in with our already-paid taxes."
O'Loughlin, Fiona	FF	Outgoing commissioner. As a teacher she daily comes into contact with children and parents and is very aware of their needs and problems. "There are almost 3,000 children under the age of nine in Newbridge and there's no playground for them, for instance," she said. "Yet, the best way for new young families to meet and interact is through their children, and they have nowhere to do this." She also highlighted that fact that there is no centre in Newbridge for young people to meet apart from those involved in sports, which are well catered for."
O'Neill, John	FF	Outgoing commissioner & KCC councillor. Newbridge has improved since he first took his seat 35 years ago. "I remember when it was a town of 5,000 people solely dependent on Irish Ropes," he remarked. "Now Irish Ropes employs about 60 people, and Newbridge is one of the most powerful towns in the county, if not in Leinster. We have achieved an awful lot without having urban status, and what we have achieved has been done with enormous help from Kildare County Council."
Ryan, John	NP

ATHY UDC	SEATS
Breslin, Aoife	LAB	Secretary.
Cunnane, Sean	FG	Primary teacher.
Dalton, Mark	FF	Purchasing Clerk.
English, Frank	FF	Public Representative.
Foley, Michael	FF	EHB official.
Jacob, Tom	FF	Self-employed.
Lawler, John	FF	Contracts manager.
Lynch, John	FG	Farmer and businessman. Full information at his own website here.
O'Reilly, Mossy	NP	Urban Councillor.
O'Sullivan, Mary	FG	Secretary.
Reid, Clifford T	NP	Student.
Scully, Noel	LAB	Butcher.
Wall, Jack	LAB	Sitting TD. Spokesman for his party on defence matters. Has particularly promoted the development of Barrow River based business potential.

LEIXLIP TC	SEATS
Armstrong, Leo	Green Party	Organic marketing manager.
Byrne, Teresa	FG	Public representative. Outgoing commissioner.
Caldwell, Bernard	FF	Sales representative. Outgoing commissioner.
Dunne, Basil	LAB	Lorry Driver.
Egan, Dave	FG	Manager.
Kearney, Adrian	NP	Unemployed.
Kelly, Paul	FF	Solicitor. Outgoing commissioner.
Lynch, Breege	FG	Retired Nurse.
McDonagh, Gerry	LAB	Technician.
Murphy, Catherine	LAB	Public representative. Outgoing councillor. Has worked throughout North Kildare for the needs of its rapidly-increased population. Sustainable planning and traffic matters are particular interests.
O'Connor, Kevin	FF	Office equipment supplier.
O'Toole, Annette	PD	Outgoing commissioner. Prime issues in Leixlip are parking and street cleaning, with a requirement for 400 public parking spaces urgently needed in the North Kildare town. “Traders are losing out to Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown as people just drive on instead of trying to find parking.”
Purcell, Colm	LAB	Supervisor. Outgoing commissioner & KCC councillor.
Purcell, Sean	LAB	Fire fighter. Outgoing commissioner.
Rodgers, Michael	FF	Retired company executive.