Why I got involved in politics

I am a proud Tralee man, community activist and advocate for the most beautiful part of Ireland – The Kingdom of Kerry.

We face so many challenges in Kerry, and the only way to overcome them is to have a council focused on delivering solutions rather than finding problems. My family has a long history of careers in service for the people of Kerry.

My grandfather Jim Healy originally came from Clashmealcon outside Causeway before settling in Ardfert and is a familiar face having driven most of North Kerry's kids to school as a bus driver for Jackie Power. My grandmother hails from Ahamore, Abbeydorney where my gran-uncle still maintains the family farm.

I grew up in Tralee and went to both the primary and secondary CBS schools. I was never as sporty as hoped but excelled in debate and politics. I found I had a natural ability to organise, campaign and negotiate on behalf of both myself and groups.

From here I attended IT Tralee (now MTU) and studied to complete a BA (Hons) in TV, Radio and New Media and then completed an MSc in Digital Marketing Strategy at CIT (now MTU).

I served two years as SU President and from there I have continued to grow and develop my advocacy and campaigning work and it’s this work that has drawn me even closer to political organising & public service and that is why I have remained involved in politics both locally and nationally.

My priorities

Healthcare must be a priority for Kerry. University Hospital Kerry is on its knees and the south/south-west hospital group seem to be purposefully guiding the hospital towards a structured downgrade. If this is their strategy they must admit it.

Our hospital is vital to so many families that we cannot allow it to be downgraded or have sections of it closed. Proper resourcing, staffing and a reduction of waiting lists must be prioritised.

Addressing the housing crisis by building homes, a simple solution. Kerry County Council must take responsibility for housing people through the provision of affordable and social housing. The Government must enable local councils can do this.

Moving the focus of Kerry County Council and the Government into sustainable, secure and gainful employment creation, rather than the current strategy of over-reliance on the Hospitality and Tourism industry.

Breathing new life in our town centres – between rates, parking and pedestrianisation there is confusion about how to bring footfall into our towns.

Empty town centre retail units dominate towns like Tralee. I will campaign to bring back Tralee Urban District Council so the town can once again have a local level representation to solve matters such as these.

Addressing issues such as maintenance of our housing estates. Many social housing estates fall into disrepair. Community based initiatives have fallen by the wayside with many areas not even having a residents committee, I will work to restore these.

My background

I am a proud Tralee man. Married to my husband Joe and live in the town with our two dogs.

Served two years and ITTSU President.

Have worked on numerous campaigns including pay for interning nurses.

Ran for local election in 2019.

Educated at CBS Tralee Primary and secondary.

Hold a BA (Hons) and an MSc alongside graduate membership of the Marketing Institute of Ireland.

Clubs and Committees

I currently sit on the board of management of Colaiste Gleann Li secondary school, Tralee Educate Together National School and I am chairperson of the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.