Blaine Gaffney (Fine Gael- Sligo, Strandhill)

Name: Blaine Gaffney

Age: 29

Preferred pronouns: Did not answer 

Party: Fine Gael

Local Electoral Area: Sligo – Strandhill ED

Is this your first time running? Yes

What are your reasons for running as a young person in politics?

My name is Blaine Gaffney and I am running for election in the Sligo – Strandhill Electoral District. I am a Community Activist, a local business owner and a Parliamentary Assistant.

But most importantly, I’m just an ordinary Sligo man who as a young person, wants to take a lead in progressing our community for the better.

I decided to get involved in politics during 2008, as the effects of the economic recession began to have a negative effect on me and my family, who at the time were struggling to pay for my college education. I was not born into a large political family or family with great wealth, nor was my decision to become politically active influenced in any way, shape or form by anyone other than myself and my experiences of living in recession-era Ireland.

It has been the youth of Ireland that have moved our country forward over the past decade. We fought to change our society and our laws and now that Ireland is the youngest nation in the European Union, I feel that it is time that someone with youth, passion and experience is given an opportunity to help lead Sligo forward.

We always hear people say that we need new blood. Well, this is the opportunity!