Nicole Ryan graduated university with a Post-Graduate in Addiction Studies. She founded and runs the drug education company, Alex's Adventure, which provides drug education to students in Ireland.

I decided to run because our rural communities are being left behind, with poor infrastructure, inadequate housing, and limited opportunities for young people. I’m committed to abolishing means testing for carers and addressing the lack of support for schools and the education sector. Our communities and families deserve better, and I want to ensure their voices are heard.

The greatest issue is the growing imbalance between urban and rural areas, seen in poor infrastructure, a housing crisis, and an underfunded education sector that leaves schools and students without the support they need.

My first speech would focus on abolishing means testing for carers, supporting rural schools with proper funding and resources, and tackling the housing crisis initially in the number of derelict vacancies in my constituency. I would also emphasise the urgency of passing the Occupied Territories Bill, reflecting Ireland’s leadership in standing for fairness and human rights at home and abroad.