Whitmore launches election campaign
Social Democrats candidate Cllr Jennifer Whitmore was ahead of the curve this week as she launched her General Election campaing on Sunday – just two days before the election date was revealed.
‘I have been a local public representative now for six years, and it’s a job that I have been honoured to do,’ she said at the launch.
‘I had never intended to get into politics, but after spending over a decade overseas in Australia and Scandinavia, when I returned to Ireland, I saw the potential for our incredible county of Wicklow.’
Cllr Whitmore said that there are basic issues which she believes are holding back the county and country.
‘ There is no need to reinvent the wheel, but we need to apply best international practice to the areas of transport, environment, housing, health and childcare to make Wicklow a better place for our communities, and serve as an example nationally for other counties.’
She said that winning a Dáil seat is the best way that she can contribute to making changes.
‘For me, it’s important that public representatives are focused on delivering results, and establish a track record of getting things done.
‘Over the past six years, as a full-time councillor, I have worked with community groups to deliver an extensive number of projects.
‘ They include the Greystones Inclusive South Beach Playground, primary and secondary schools, sports and community facilities, and environmental projects across the county,’ said Cllr Whitmore.
‘I am also chairperson for the newly established Strategic Policy Committee on Climate and Biodiversity Action for Wicklow County, and am using that forum to drive policy and change through the Council.
‘Nationally, as the Social Democrats Party Spokesperson for Children, I was at the forefront of delivering national legislation through the Dáil that extended unpaid parental leave to help parents juggle work and family commitments in September of last year.’
Cllr Whitmore’s professional background is in environmental law, fisheries and ecology.
She worked for many years in Australia, developing legislation and policy for the New South Wales Government.
‘I want to utilise that expertise to address the climate and biodiversity crisis that we are facing, and I am determined to make Wicklow a leader in climate action,’ she said.
‘However, we also face a housing, health and affordability crisis in this country.
‘We need politicians that are capable of implementing effective, practical, evidence-based policy solutions to our problems - across a wide range of issues,’ said Cllr Whitmore. ‘I believe that I have the expertise internationally and professionally, and a work ethic and ability to get things done, to be a very effective TD for Wicklow at a national level.’