Travellers rights and human rights activist to run for Aontú in Offaly in General Election

A prominent human rights activist and advocate for the Traveller community has been chosen by Aontú to run in Offaly for the upcoming General Election.

Maureen Ward, who is based in Tullamore, Co Offaly, has been a tireless campaigner for the last 40 years, working towards advancing equality, social justice, and cultural recognition for Travellers.

The activist is deeply involved in various national campaigns addressing issues such as ageism, digital accessibility, and equality in Ireland.

Maureen currently serves as the Interim Coordinator of Minceirs Whiden, a national organisation promoting Traveller voices and community dialogue.

Throughout her life, Maureen has utilised her platform to raise awareness of the barriers faced by Travellers and other members of Irish society, including access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.

In regards to her selection from Aontú, Maureen said, “I have never run for political office before, but Aontú aligns with my values. It is a party that stands up for people, for justice, for what is right and it is actually the only opposition party that is constantly seeking accountability from this government,”

“I am proud to stand for a party that stands up for the weakest in society and does so without fear or favour. We were the only party that campaigned for a NO/NO vote in the Family and Care Referendum, seeing the huge difficulties and issues it would pose down the road and we were proven to be right to be so wary and now know that Revenue officials had warned of the potential huge tax implications of a Yes vote on the Family referendum.  Thankfully, the public rejected both overwhelmingly,” she added. 

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Maureen has also participated in campaigns such as “For Equality in Ageing”, by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, which challenges stereotypes about older adults and advocates for equal opportunities across age groups.

Her dedication extends to fostering initiatives within her community, being the first Traveller trained and approved foster carer by TUSLA, providing support and care to children from all cultural backgrounds.

Maureen also managed and supported youth projects, for over 20 years and is continuing to be actively engaged with the media to amplify Traveller voices.

The activist wants to see change in the government, in particular, the ongoing housing crisis, which is affecting thousands across the country. 

Maureen said, “At a time when our country is awash with money, we have the spectre of 14,760 people homeless, including 4,500 children. These are just the official figures of course; there is much hidden homelessness, people sleeping in cars, on friends and family sofas and in spare rooms. It’s desperate”.

“If we are to address our catastrophic housing shortage and restore the hopes of young people and families up and down this country, we need to revolutionise our house building apparatus, take the power to build social homes from concept to completion back into the hands of the public service, and provide new financing streams that will sidestep the current model put in place by this Government that benefits corporations and vulture funds,” she passionately declared. 

Speaking on the current government and those in power, Maureen said, “I firmly think that electorate have had enough of weak leadership and want fair, just and balanced leaders who genuinely care about the people and who won’t lead them into dangerous ‘cul de sacs’.

“It saddens me to say so but there are conviction politicians and there are career politicians. I think it’s obvious which camp some of our politicians belong to”.