Aisling Considine is a primary school teacher from Dublin. She is a fluent Irish speaker and an active member of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation.

One of the most important issues facing the European Union is the current democratic deficit, in particular within the European Parliament. Sending more 'Yes Men' to Europe will not fix this, it will only embolden the status-quo.

Whether it be the on-going migration crisis, further attempts to diminish our sovereignty and military neutrality or the attacks on our farmers and fisheries, we need to elect MEPs who will go against the prevailing narrative in Brussels.

I want to be a democratic watchdog in Europe, bringing accountability to an institution where it currently lacks and putting Ireland first in Europe.

Aontú is currently in discussions with a group within the European Parliament and we hope to announce the outcome of these discussions soon.

We want to ensure that our objectives of self-determination, economic justice, human rights, protection of life, Irish sovereignty, Irish neutrality, Irish Unity and democratic freedoms are central to our discussions.

When I saw the carry on of the Government and the so-called Opposition, I had to ask myself a question that many have asked themselves, "Where are the adults and the room?"

As a teacher and a mother, I've seen how the political establishment has failed ordinary people, with all this leading to me saying enough is enough.

We don't need more "Yes Men' in Europe, we don't need more people seeking to begin or conclude their political careers in the European Parliament, we need ordinary people who have the value and common sense necessary to represent Dublin in the European Parliament.