Stephanie Hanlon (People Before Profit- Kilkenny City)

Name: Stephanie Hanlon

Age: 27

Preferred pronouns: She/Her

Party: People Before Profit

Local Electoral Area: Kilkenny City

Is this your first time running? Yes

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

I became interested in politics through youth activism in Kilkenny when I was 15. I decided to stand for election this year because of the amazing change I saw with the Referendums on Marriage Equality and Repeal. I was Director of Elections for Together for Yes in Kilkenny and Carlow and I saw so much engagement from young people who wanted progressive change. There is not enough representation for women, for people with disabilities or young people in politics. In Kilkenny Council only 4 out of 24 councillors are female.

Our society is changing for the better and there is so much more potential for people to take action and make their voices heard to help shape our community for the better. I am a member of the LGBTQ community, I have a disability and I see so many simple things that can be done to make Kilkenny a more accessible and inclusive city. I want to see more young, pro-choice women, and people with disabilities in the politics who stand the issues that are important to us. Representation matters and young votes count!