Why I got involved in politics

My journey into politics began at 14 years old when I was elected to South Dublin Comhairle na nÓg (Youth Council). I had the opportunity to work with South Dublin County Council on Issues affecting young people such as mental health & wellbeing. Through that work, I got involved with Youth Work Ireland and began campaigning for an updated and inclusive approach to Relationship & Sexuality Education in Ireland.

From there my passion to make change continued and in university my focus shifted to Student Union politics, European Integration & Climate change. I have alongside my studies at Dublin City University worked as an activist in those areas. 

I believe in asking questions. Not accepting the status quo and pushing for inclusion and fairness. 

My priorities

Housing

Living in our childhood bedrooms has sadly become the norm for my generation. Ireland needs secure affordable housing, security of tenure for renters and a more ambitious affordable & public housing programmes.

Climate

As we begin to see the effects of the climate emergency on our lives. It is clear now more than ever that radical action is needed. Labour is committed to placing climate action at the heart of our policies and ensuring a Just Transition working for communities

Transport

We need to build a reliable 21st-century public transport system that reduces congestion and helps us meet our climate goals. I take public transport as my primary mode of transport and know the difficulty rely on it can bring. In particular I feel we need to creater greater connections and support last mile solutions. I would love to see a scheme similar to the Dublin bikes programme rolled out in South Dublin.

LGBTQ+ Rights

Across the world and at home we are seeing a worrying rise in homophobic and transphobic rhetoric. As a queer candidate, I will stand up for my community and push to protect LGBTQ+ rights wherever I can

Care

Labour believes everyone should have access to healthcare when needed, a universal public childcare scheme, and free education for all. We also need to support careers in the essential work that they do caring for their families. The new primary care centre in Clondalkin village is an example of what investment in our health services can deliver but we need to go further provider for 24hr care and taking a proactive rather than a reactive approach to people's health.

Work

For many working people and families, this is a low-pay and high-cost country – Ireland needs a pay rise, alongside a significant reduction in out-of-pocket costs for essential public services. Work should provide you with a decent standard of living. It is unacceptable that people in Ireland can work full time jobs and still be unable to afford their most basic needs. That must change!

My background

Josh has lived in Clondalkin all his life and been an active member of the community. They went to school locally in Gael Scoil Cluain Dolcáin and have been a scout in 79th St Killian's Unit since the age of 9.

Their family first moved to Clondalkin in the 1970s and they have been part of the community ever since. Their mother attended Scoil Mhuire and their Grandfather was president of the Tallaght Chamber of Commerce and an active part of the campaign to build a swimming pool in Clondalkin which has since grown into the Clondalkin Leisure Centre and continues to be an amazing facility for the area.

Josh is currently a student at Dublin City University and will graduate this year with a degree in Media Studies and Political Science. They have been a community activist and campaigner in the areas of sexual health education, sustainable development and European integration. They are keen to bring their passion and experience to South Dublin County Council and work hard to be a strong voice on issues such as Housing, Transport, Climate, Care & Public Safety.