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Suffice to say, there are plenty of candidates to choose from, from the strong, silent types who simply, quietly get on with their work in the community to the loud, social media-shagging self-promoters who seem to leave little time for any actual graft. We’ve been reporting on this town daily for 12 years now, and the one thing we’ve become very, very wary of is the black arts of stolen valour.
What inspired you to become involved in local politics? Was there a Road To District Council moment…?
Looking forward, what are the main goals that you would like to achieve over the coming years?
If being a politician doesn’t work out, have you got a Career B in mind? Dancer? Magician? Traffic warden…?
Trump or Biden…?
Esther Kelly APR24
ith the local elections set for Friday, June 7th, we have once 
again sent out our Speakers’ Corner questionnaire to the local wide-eyed hopefuls.
ith the local elections set for Friday, Starting with the 11 candidates running in the Greystones Electoral Area, we’ll then open the floor to the other 6,342 upstanding Wicklow citizens currently stepping into the ring for 2024.
Up for grabs, 32 councillor seats across this great county of ours, with all the hopes and dreams – plus prestige, pressure, resentment, ridicule and mediocre pay – that such an exalted position entails.
Suffice to say, there are plenty of candidates to choose from, from the strong, silent types who simply, quietly get on with their work in the community to the loud, social media-shagging self-promoters who seem to leave little time for any actual graft. We’ve been reporting on this town daily for 12 years now, and the one thing we’ve become very, very wary of is the black arts of stolen valour. 
Feckers sticking their flag in other people’s hard work by racing to share the good news first on Facebook, Instagram and beyond, slyly hoovering up all the likes, thanks and praise in the process. It’s akin to waiting at the finish line and throwing your arm around the winner for a quick selfie, owning their victory online before they’ve even had time to catch their breath.
With campaign manager, Simon…
So, whatever your party loyalties and your political leanings, it’s worth taking a moment to look beyond the glitter. These people will be your eyes and ears – and big mouth – down in Wicklow County Council, after all.
In the meantime, on with Speakers Corner 2024, and the new kid on the block,
With Mary Lou McDonald
Esther Kelly. First, a quick bio…
Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady said the new party candidates for Greystones Municipal District, Esther Kelly and Brian Fogarty, were “formidable” runners who will be at the forefront of the party’s campaign to bring about change. Esther Kelly – who has played an active role with Sinn Féin for a number of years – said it is an absolute privilege to be given the honour of going forward as one of the party’s two local election candidates in the Greystones electoral area.
Having moved from Greystones to Kilcoole three years ago, Esther is passionate about the local community and will continue to work hard to make Kilcoole, Greystones and Newcastle a better place for all.
And now for those deep and penetrating Guide questions…
What inspired you to become involved in local politics? Was there a Road To District Council moment…?
I have been a community activist and member of Sinn Féin for many years now. Having been involved in many election campaigns – including those of my colleagues John Brady TD and former councillor Nicola Lawless – I have had the opportunity to speak to many people right across the Greystones Municipal District area. The very clear message that I’m hearing is that people want change. So, rather than sit back, I decided to step forward and be that change by standing as a candidate to deliver the change that’s needed.
Of your work so far, are there particular achievements that you are particularly proud of?
I work with older people, and individuals with additional needs, helping to provide the support they need to live independently at home.
To be able to work and support vulnerable people in our community is something that I take great pride from.
On the campaign trail…
planning to ensure that people can live, work and play in their own community. Social and affordable housing will be priorities for me. Also ensuring that our children can also attend school and that the annual saga of trying to get a school place ends. I will ensure that delivering the new Greystones Community College school is delivered along with the extensions of Coláiste Chraobh Abhann and Temple Carrig.
