Dundalk barber having a cut at local elections with Independent Ireland
Dundalk barber Barry Kieran has thrown his hat in the ring and announced that he is standing as a candidate for Independent Ireland in the Dundalk South Local Electoral Area in the June local elections.
Kieran, who has his own award-winning business, Signature Hair in Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, is launching his campaign this week.
“For years, I’ve been passionate about supporting our small businesses, advocating for meaningful public service reform, and making sure our policies actually serve the needs of every family,” he says.
“This isn’t just about a campaign for me; it’s about bringing our collective voices together to advocate for the change we all know is needed. I believe in practical solutions, integrity, and accountability, and I’m committed to making Dundalk a better place for all of us.
He said that as “an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience, I’ve first hand seen the challenges small businesses face, driving my commitment to support them and advocate for common-sense policies.”
“My disillusionment with current government policies, especially concerning immigration, housing, and healthcare, has deepened my resolve to seek change,” he said of his decision to enter politics.
A father of three, he has been actively involved in supporting children with additional needs since 2018.
“I have an area in the salon especially for children with additional needs, with its own Special Needs Assistance, for the past six years, and we have people coming from as far away as Donegal.”
This, he says, has exposed him to the “urgent reforms needed in our public service sectors”.
He says he has chosen to join Independent Ireland, which is one of the newest parties on the Irish political scene, because it “aligns with my belief in integrity, accountability, and practical governance.”
Independent Ireland was formed last November by Limerick County TD Richard O’Donoghue and Cork South West TD Michael Collins, who were both members of the Rural Independent Group in the Dáil.
The party is fielding a number of local election candidates around the country and former RTE journalist Ciaran Mullooly this week announced that he is standing for Independent Ireland as their candidate in the Midlands-North West constituency in the European Elections also taking place on June 7.
The party leader Michael Collins expressed support for Barry Kieran’s candidacy, recognizing his entrepreneurial spirit and advocacy experience.
“Barry Kieran brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to Independent Ireland. His commitment to supporting small businesses and advocating for practical governance makes him the perfect candidate for Dundalk South,” said Collins. Michael Fitzmaurice TD will be coming to Dundalk on Friday for the launch of Kieran’s campaign. “Barry Kieran’s dedication to community service and his vision for change in Ireland make him an ideal candidate for Independent Ireland. I am confident that he will be a strong voice for Dundalk South LEA and I look forward to attending Barry’s official launch in the coming weeks,” said Fitzmaurice.