Natasha Newsome Drennan has been a disability worker for the last 18 years. She is running to improve mental health services, particularly autism assessments.

I decided to run as I see the challenges that face people on a daily basis through my work in the disability sector. Everything is a battle a day for individuals and families in this sector. I also believe we need investment in our rural communities through public transport and a proper funded plan for regeneration of our towns and villages.

Housing is one of the biggest issues, rent and house prices are soaring, many are totally locked out of the hope of ever owning a home. I would like to include the issues facing the disability sector and carers. We need to see greater respite services, personal assistant hours for people with a disability and an abolition of the means test.

The issues I mentioned are what my first speech will be on if I am returned as a TD for Carlow and Kilkenny