Tony Ward (Non-Party), Athlone - Roscommon

We sent a questionnaire to all 10 candidates running in the Athlone Electoral Area in the forthcoming Roscommon County Council election. The responses are published in print in this week's Westmeath Independent.

NAME: Tony Ward

ADDRESS: Carrick View, Curraghboy.

PARTY: Non-Party

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

One of the biggest ones for me is addressing the whole issue of the flooding at Lough Funshinagh. That would definitely be number one on the list.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

I decided to run because I want to work for the people and get things done for the people, both young and old. I'm a councillor for the last 20 years. I didn't have to go forward for re-election, but I felt, from talking to people, that they wanted me to stand again.

If elected, I will serve the people as a full-time county councillor, which I've done since 2004, when I resigned from my job as a technician with Eircom.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

The first is Lough Funshinagh. A second would be the lack of carers available to provide home help for older people. Another issue raised with me a lot during the election campaign is the wind turbines that are earmarked for the Rahara, Curraghboy, Four Roads area.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

In terms of sportspeople, it would have to be my former neighbour and friend up the road, the late, great Gerry O'Malley. And another person I admire was a personal friend of mine, the late Paddy Lenihan. He was a gentleman supreme and he worked for all the people.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I like a game of 25, and I help to organise a game of cards every Tuesday night for the community. I am also a staunch Roscommon and St Brigid's GAA supporter.