Tom Farrell (Fine Gael), Moate

We sent a questionnaire to all 8 candidates running in the Moate Electoral Area in the forthcoming Westmeath County Council election. The responses were published in print in the Westmeath Independent last Wednesday.

ADDRESS: Cauran, Walderstown, Athlone.

PARTY: Fine Gael

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Rural planning, including provisions to encourage people to live in rural areas and contribute to rural communities. Better student bus services and incentives for schools to introduce smartphone restrictions.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I take great pride in Westmeath and want to make it as good a place as possible. This means investing time and effort, and politics is the best place to do this.

I have developed skills such as listening, negotiating, and delegating throughout my life, and I believe I can use these to benefit others.

I have been proud to serve the Athlone-Moate Municipal District since 2014 and wish to continue doing so.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

Access to broadband is vital for balanced regional development, as people can work remotely and commute less. This will give more time to volunteer in their community.

Support of local businesses and making people aware that cheaper online options are not always better. One needs to be conscious of how their money can contribute to economic activity in their area.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

John Hume, who invested a lifetime of effort to bring about peace.

He was not afraid to take tough options, he stayed the course and delivered huge change.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Having worked in the west many years ago, I played some club football in Mayo with Ballina Stephenites.