Tommy Barrett (Independent- Thurles)

Name: Tommy Barrett

Age: 24

Preferred pronouns: Did not answer

Party (if any): Non Party

Local electoral area: Thurles

Is this your first time running? Yes

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

From a young age I have always taken pleasure in helping out in my community. In school I was Chairman of the Student Council and involved in the Green Schools Programme as I feel if we as young people want change we have to stand up and act ourselves and get involved in the decision making process.

I have never let my age stop me from doing something or speaking out on issues within the community. Since 2013 I have been Chairman of my local residents association. From this experience I have developed positive working relationships with council officials and I have also gained valuable knowledge on how the council operates. I would hope that as a result of running in this election that I would encourage more young people to become involved and engaged in the community around them and to speak up and have their say on the future of our country. Young people face many challenges in modern day Ireland. These challenges include: online gambling, substance misuse and the dangers of social media. I was delighted to host a seminar recently that was attended by over 400 young people with an engaging presentation delivered to the young people on these issues.

I would encourage all young people to vote on Friday May 24th.