Aontu's Melissa Byrne to run for Dáil seat in Kildare South

Aontú’s Melissa Byrne, who missed out on a seat in the local elections by the narrowest of margins is back in the running for South Kildare in the upcoming general election. 

Just a couple of votes separated 25-year-old Byrne from her nearest rival, in what was seen as an impressive performance in her first foray into politics, after a short few weeks’ campaigning. 

Speaking following her unanimous selection to stand in  Kildare South Melissa said: “I am proud to stand for Aontú, a growing party that is almost single handedly the only opposition that is holding a mirror up to this Government. At a time when our country is awash with money, buying a home is now a ‘luxury’ and a dream, we have the scandal of homelessness, poor vulnerable children going missing in State care, others in agony with scoliosis waiting for long promised surgery, elderly people who have worked all their lives unable to make ends meet at a time when they should be enjoying their retirement and Garda figures falling just like their morale. 

Una O'Connor

“This chronicle of Government ineptitude is a gross injustice, and as a woman who has always been motivated by a deep-seated commitment to social justice and equality, I am appalled by how out of touch this Government is with the day-to-day struggles of ordinary people. 

“Ireland's housing crisis is worsening rooted in years of government failure and mismanagement. More than 14,500 people are now homeless, including 4,500 children, young families are being priced out of the markets and rent is at a record high. As a young person it is shocking to think that I will not be able to buy a home anytime soon. Young people are trapped in generation rent ;68% of Irish adults between 25 and 29 still live at home compared with the EU average of 42%. This government has failed them abysmally by allowing real estate investment trusts (REITs) to bulk buy homes for rent, driving prices up and pushing home ownership out of reach. This is having terrible societal effects. Aontú wants to reform and speed up the planning permission process and build more social and private housing in County Kildare. 

“We want to properly fund the return of vacant houses back to use and we want to end the tax advantages for predatory real estate investment trusts. 

“Kildare County Council comes second last in the national table of local authority resources per head of population, our county has been underserved for too long and it's time to elect a politician with a backbone to challenge the lack of equality in public expenditure and promote public investment in Kildare. As our population increases there needs to be a focus on the sustainable expansion of childcare facilities primary and secondary schools and it's also essential that we invest in recreational facilities for our communities. I am passionate about creating inclusive recreational spaces including facilities for children with disabilities as well as those who are neurodivergent. 

“While a recent expansion of the commuter zone included Kildare and Newbridge, Athy and Monasterevin were left out. I will work to ensure they see an equal reduction in fares as well as an increase in carriages and infrastructure."