New candidate promises to be ‘strong, independent voice’
WICKLOW’S Orla Finn has announced that she will be running in the upcoming local elections as an Independent candidate for the Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle and Killadreenan areas, and has pledged to work for more local jobs, improved community facilities, better access for people with disabilities and reliable public transport.
Orla has lived in Greystones for over 25 years with her husband and four children, and has dedicated herself to several committees and organisations.
She is a board member of Wicklow Dementia Support, co-founder and chairperson of the North Wicklow Women’s Shed and was a member of the team which delivered the inclusive South Beach playground in Greystones.
Orla has a background in public administration, where she was responsible for the co-ordination and implementation of projects in Central and Eastern Europe. Orla said she feels that this experience has been invaluable when it comes to working in her community and is evidenced by her ability to get projects across the line.
This includes being part of the team that first established CoderDojo in Greystones, acting as Programme Co-ordinator for a weekly Musical Memories group, which supports people with dementia and their families, and as a former assistant coach of Eire Og Greystones GAA Club.
Orla strongly believes that small, local, independent businesses are essential for our communities to thrive and grow and that these businesses need our support. To that end, Orla has established the ‘Up Off The Couch’ and local ‘Adopt a Shop’ initiatives.
Orla is keen to point out that if elected, being a county councillor will be her full-time job and that she will dedicate 100pc of her time and attention to serving the community and delivering positive change.
“I never imagined myself in politics, but I became involved in running local projects nearly 20 years ago as I wanted to help build a better community for all of us,” Orla said “I know that politics can deliver positive change and for me, politics is absolutely about people. I believe that politicians are ultimately here to serve and create meaningful transformations for the better. To this end, we must recognise that all aspects of our lives are interconnected, and no issue should be addressed in isolation.
“Therefore, I think that we can all agree that we need more local jobs, improved community facilities, better access for people with disabilities, reliable public transport, climate change solutions, better access to healthcare and school places for all.
“I believe that our community needs a strong, independent voice that is solely focused on these issues. A voice that can advocate for those that need it most. A voice that will bridge the gap between our community and those in Wicklow County Council. As an independent candidate, I am that voice”.