Offaly community activist launches campaign to take seat on county council

Community activist Martin Buckley has officially launched his campaign as an independent candidate in next June's local elections in the Birr/Ferbane electoral area.

The launch took place in the Pull Inn in Pullough on Friday night last and the new candidate was joined by family and friends from the area.

Guest speaker on the night was sitting independent councillor in the Tullamore area, Cllr Sean O'Brien who has four decades experience in politics.

Cllr O'Brien, who is also seeking to retain his seat in the decider next June, highlighted the important work carried out by Mr Buckley in west Offaly and urged everyone in the community to get behind his campaign.

Director of Elections, Paddy O'Reilly spoke about the many successful projects the new candidate has been involved in.

He added: “It would be great for west Offaly to have a hands on representative to get more done for the local area.”

In his own address, Mr Buckley said he looked forward to hitting the canvass trail and thanked all those who had helped out with his campaign so far.

He said he is looking forward to hearing the views of people on the issues that are affecting villages and towns across west Offaly.

Mr Buckley has a first class honours Diploma from NUIG in Community Development and serves on many boards including Offaly PPN, representing social inclusion groups, Tullamore Credit Union as a Board Oversight Member and West Offaly Homefix, providing companionship and services to the elderly and most vulnerable.

Martin Buckley said he hopes his “vast experience” and his 'hands on' involvement in establishing multi award winning Pullough Community Shop in 2017 will be central to his campaign for a council seat "to represent and enhance the good work of the local people for their local community''.

He has asked for those disillusioned with local politics to join his “campaign for west Offaly so collectively change, opportunities, fairness and progress can be achieved and to have your voice heard where and when it matters”.

He is widely known on sports fields throughout the midlands as a referee with over 20 years experience at all levels in the MSL and CCFL.

Mr Buckley works in the healthcare sector advocating and supporting adults with disabilities and their families to live a more fulfilled and quality life through inclusion, community involvement, volunteering/work, training, education and other opportunities.

The local electoral area stretches from Doon/Clonmacnoise near Westmeath to Dunkerrin/Moneygall near Tipperary and up to the Laois border in the foothills of the Slieve Bloom mountains and promises to be an interesting election battlefield.

Said the independent candidate: "I am committed to hearing and understanding the voices of those I meet canvassing and working tirelessly to address their needs if elected.” His campaign priorities include advocating for individuals, families and communities, protecting and promoting our heritage, improving services/infrastructure and ensuring that the needs of west Offaly are identified and met."

Martin Buckley can be contacted at buckleymartin1@gmail.com or contact Martin on social media – Facebook or Instagram - Martin Buckley, Independent Candidate.