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"If Blunkett can do it,
so can I!"
11.11.08
Kevin vies for Fianna
Fáil seat
A YOUNG Clonmany man is taking inspiration from the
achievements of David Blunkett MP in the hope of
becoming Ireland's first visually impaired
politician.
Twenty year old Kevin Kelly is seeking the Fianna
Fáil nomination to contest the local elections in
the Inishowen electoral area.
"I have always had a strong desire to help improve
the quality of life for all those around me and I
believe that I can bring a different perspective
into County Hall and reinvigorate the Fianna Fáil
team here on the peninsula," said journalism student
Kevin.
He acknowledges that his visual impairment will
"undoubtedly create additional challenges" but he is
confident he can meet these challenges. |
"It is my firm belief
that these challenges can be overcome. Indeed one
only has to look at David Blunkett in England who
was a county councillor, then an MP and was
appointed Labour Party spokesperson for local
government.
"As planning is an integral part of the work of a
council, this clearly demonstrates that (Blunkett)
was able to deal with planning issues, to such an
extent he was selected to act as their spokesperson
on local government |
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issues. If he can do it
so can I," he added.
While he hopes to be a voice at the table for voters
with disabilities, Kevin also feels he could achieve
much for young voters, generally, and the electorate
as a whole.
“I feel that, in particular, the views of younger
people across the electoral area need to be heard.
Ranging from issues such as young people attempting
to obtain planning permission to college maintenance
grants, the youth of Inishowen need a voice on the
Council that they can relate to," added Kevin, a
co-founder of the local branch of Ógra Inishowen and
a columnist with the Inishowen Independent.
"I am determined to attempt to represent everyone in
Inishowen by bringing a new sense of direction to
the council and making it more accountable and
forward thinking."
Meanwhile, he said if he is successful in securing
the Fianna Fáil nomination, his journalism would
have to "take a back seat".
His studies continue until December 2009 but he said
he would be home every weekend to talk to
constituents and would attend the monthly meetings
of Donegal County Council as well as the Inishowen
electoral area meetings.
“It is my great privilege to have been asked to put
myself forward to seek a nomination for the
forthcoming elections and it would be my honour to
serve the people of Inishowen," he added. |
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