Sinn Féin have added a second candidate to contest the next local elections in the Shannon area next yaer.
James Ryan from Westbury was unanimously selected at a recent convention in the county and was ratified by the party’s Ard Comhairle last week. He will run alongside sitting councillor Donna McGettigan.
James is originally from Shannonbanks so has lived in the area all his life. He is married with two children.
Mr Ryan said, “I’m very passionate about getting the best for my home area, which I feel is often ignored. I’ve been working closely with my colleagues, Shannon councillor Donna McGettigan and Maurice Quinlivan TD for Limerick, to address that deficit. I firmly believe that with the right ideas the area can thrive for everyone in the community.”
James, who works as a teacher and artist said, “I work mostly with children in the DEIS primary schools in Clare and Limerick and on youth diversion programmes in the area. In addition, I work with youths and adults with intellectual disabilities. I also volunteer with community groups teaching woodwork and art, for instance with the men’s and women’s sheds.”
Speaking about his priorities if elected, James said housing is a major concern in Clare as elsewhere.
“I think people sometimes forget that the local council have significant powers around housing, so I want to use those powers to maximum effect for people. Setting up a youth club for the area would also be a priority, along with improving public amenities and facilities. I would also advocate for specialist units in primary schools for children with ASD. Crime prevention measures also need to be improved” he concluded.