Today is the deadline for submissions to the Constituency Commission on the redraw of Dail and Euro constituency boundaries, following the 2010 Census.
In my submission I am advising that the village of Swords should no longer be divided between Dublin North and Dublin West. Having campaigned in Swords in the two national elections this year, I am acutely aware of the concerns that residents of the smaller Dublin West section of the town. The voters I met felt completely isolated from the wider constituency, having no real connection to the Dublin 15 side. Politicians from Dublin 15 are not recognised, when compared to the usual politicians who have represented the area.
Section 6.(2)(e) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2009 state that “there shall be regard to geographic considerations” by the Constituency Commission in the making of its decision. In light of this, I’ve urge the Constituency Commission to ensure that Swords village is reunited in either Dublin West, Dublin North or whatever new constituency arrangement is reached after the review.
Over recent months, there has been some speculation over the future of the level crossing at Porterstown. In particular, concerns have been raised regarding whether if it is closed, provision will be made for pedestrian access along the Porterstown Road. This is particularly important for parents bringing their children to and from St. Mochta’s National School.
I recently contacted the National Transport Authority (NTA) to find out what their plans for the level crossing are. They have confirmed to me that they are looking at the possibility of closing the Porterstown crossing, in conjunction with Irish Rail and Fingal County Council (see link below). Such an action would be statutory process. However, they also stated that if a final decision was made to close the level crossing, “ … consideration will be given to the provision of appropriate, alternative pedestrian and cycle facilities”.
I am pleased to see that the NTA are open to the need to keep some level of pedestrian access along the Porterstown Road, even if it is closed to vehicular traffic. The route along the Porterstown Road is the safest for the many parents who bring their children from estates like Luttrelstown or Riverwood on foot to school at St. Mochta’s. I will work to make sure that any change to the status of the level crossing will not impact negatively on these parents.
NTA – Porterstown
14/11/11
On Friday I was elected as Chairperson of the Green Party to succeed Dan Boyle. I was the sole candidate nominated for the position so I was deemed automatically elected. The term of office begins on 2nd December and runs for two years.
I’m delighted to be taking up this role at such a crucial time for the Green Party. Since the General Election in February, the party has been rebuilding and remodelling itself to operate effectively with much more limited resources. A key priority for me will be preparing us for the Local and European Elections in 2014. I believe that we can rebuild a strong Green presence at all political levels throughout the country.
Recent developments such as Phil Hogan’s U-turn on climate change legislation, the cancelling of public transport projects and the botched referendum on Oireachtas Inquiries, show that while the other parties claim to have adopted the Green Party’s policies on the environment and reform, this has not genuinely happened. While I was campaigning in the Dublin West By-Election, many people told me they were concerned that the Green perspective was now completely absent from the Dail.
I am confident that over the next few years, we can demonstrate that our policies are essential in addressing the economic, social and environmental challenges that the country faces as we emerge from the recession. I’m really looking forward to working as Party Chair to make this happen.
Finally, I want to pay tribute to Dan Boyle for his work as Party Chair over the last four years and his steadfast dedication to Green politics throughout his career as a public representative.
13/11/11
I have written to the Superintendent in Blanchardstown Garda Station, asking him to request the Traffic Corps undertake random speed checks along Carpenterstown Avenue. This stretch of road is prone to heavy amounts of speeding, particularly at night. It was an issue raised on the doors with me during the By-Election in estates like Bramley, Laverna and Oaktree and again at the recent AGM of the Carpenterstown Park Residents Association.
The stretch of road between the Sycamore roundabout and the Maple roundabout is particularly bad. However, I believe that if the Gardai started implementing a series of random speed checks, this will make a difference. A few motorists getting fines for excessive speed will quickly act as a deterrent. In an area which has such a concentration of young people, it is essential that parents feel their children are safe as the walk alongside or cross the road. I think it is important that the Gardai act quickly on this issue.
I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Patrick Nulty on winning the by-election. I’ve known Patrick since we both studied in Trinity around the same time. Indeed, I remember giving him my No.1 vote in a Students Union President election in 2004. I know Patrick is deeply committed to the cause of social justice and I wish him well in his new role as TD for Dublin West.
I also want to thank all those who voted for me on the 27th. I was extremely happy to come away with over 5% of the first preference vote and almost triple my vote from the General Election earlier this year. I intend to continue to build on this base for the Local Elections in 2014.
31/10/11
Green Party Dublin West representative, Roderic O’Gorman has welcomed the defeat of the Oireachtas Inquiry referendum.
“I was delighted that the Oireachtas Inquiries referendum was defeated decisively across the country and in Dublin West. I was deeply concerned with the scope of the powers that the proposed amendment would have given to TDs, without adequate supervision from the courts. Throughout the by-election campaign, I raised the issue of the referendum with voters on the doors and urged people to vote against it. In light of the real concern I heard from voters about the extent of the proposal, I was not surprised that the amendment was defeated”, stated Roderic O’Gorman.
“The attitude of the Government throughout the campaign was extremely arrogant, particularly the personal attacks that Ministers made against persons who disagreed with their analysis of the provisions. Labour and Fine Gael have promised to establish a Constitutional Convention to review sections of the Constitution. While I welcome this development, I hope the Government learns lessons from the way it conducted this referendum. People will only vote to change our Constitution if the amendments are the result of an open process”, concluded Roderic O’Gorman.
Ends
Further Information
Roderic O’Gorman: 087 417 9777
The Dublin West By-Election takes place tomorrow. Over the last six weeks, I’ve been meeting people across the constituency, setting out how I would work as a TD and the issues I would prioritise. Below are 5 quick reasons why you should give me your No. 1 vote.
Roderic
- I’ve a proven track record in Dublin West over the last 8 years, fighting bad planning decisions and working for better schools and public transport.
- I’ve focused on three key issues in my campaign: jobs, education and political reform. If elected, I’ll use the skills and experience I have from my professional life in education and as a law lecturer, to advance long term changes in each of these crucial areas.
- I’ve committed to seeking a seat on the Oireachtas Health Committee if elected, so I can fight to protect 24 hour A&E services in Connolly Hospital and work to reverse other cut backs.
- I’ve pledged to ensure that the section of Swords in Dublin West gets fair representation and that constituents living there do not have their voices ignored.
- I’ve stated that if I am elected, I will work as a national legislator, representing the views of Dublin West on the major issues affecting our country. I strongly believe that when elected as TDs, politicians should not be acting as glorified county councillors.
