This article is from page 8 of the 2013-10-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
CILLIAN Griffey is the youngest candidate in the country so far nominated to contest the local elections.
The Fine Gael young gun will run for the first time ever in the Ennis Municipal Area alongside four more seasoned campaigners.
Putting his name forward to seek a place on the Fine Gael ticket did not come easy for the 23 year-old from Ballymaley.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make but I am passionate about the party and about the community I want to represent,” he said.
“Recent events have shown us all that we need to fight for our nation’s future. I, like you all, am angered and sickened by the plight of unemployment and emigration. My single resolve is to contribute to the re-energising of the values and passion for public service that our party stands for.
“I joined the party in 2005 when I thought we needed a change. The Government was getting stale. I felt there were not enough young people in politics. By me doing this I hope to encourage more young people,” he told The Clare People .
From a farming family he was instrumental in setting up the Ennis Macra na Feirme branch, as well as extending the Young Fine Gael East Clare Branch to include the whole county.
The business support manager at HR Locker in Lahinch has no illusions about how difficult it will be to complete in an election as the new kid on the block.
“I am realistic. As I am not as well known I need a bit of a head start,” he said.
The Doora Barefield clubman is also secretary of the Ballyalla Lake Working Group and has volunteered with the Clarecare Homework Club.