Barrett is from Glendarragh, Newcastle West. He is a dry stock farmer and a rail worker, where he has worked for 25 years. He ran during the recent local elections, receiving 669 first preference votes. He also owns a bicycle hire business.

I had an issue with the Limerick city and county council regarding the Limerick greenway and my bike hire business. They awarded a licence to lazy bike tours and never followed the guidelines for goods and services 2019. I have reported and highlighted the wrongdoing. I made a complaint to the Office Of The Information Commissioner regarding LCCC’s response to the Freedom of Information request. The OIC found predominantly in my favour and were less than complimentary about LCCC’s approach to the complaint.

My experience with LCCC has made me aware that there is no accountability of taxpayers money. The role of the office of government procurement is responsible for implementing national policy on public procurement which includes the publishing procurement guidelines for goods and services. Unfortunately, these are only guidelines and there is no enforcement of these guidelines or ramifications for those who do not follow them. If I'm elected as a TD, it will be one of my priorities to ensure these guidelines are implemented. Curtailing wastage of taxpayers money will ensure money will be available for other important elements of society.

Unfortunately, there are multiple issues that are of high priority. From wastage of taxpayers money to how we process international migrants, housing/infrastructure, healthcare, public transport, policing, immigration, rural Ireland and farming.

I would like to tell the people that they now have a politician that is working for them. Their concerns are my concerns. A politician that is contactable. A politician who listens and takes guidance from the people he represents.

I would set out my priorities including the following: wastage of taxpayers money, bus services, immigration. I will talk to the farmers to ensure farming is a viable and attractive option for the next generation. I will work with builders to identify how we can expedite the delivery of housing. I will work on improving the support for carers and push for a more responsive healthcare system.