It’s a family affair in Limerick and Clare as a mother and son are running for the local elections.
Betty and Kieran Walsh are hoping to win council seats for the Social Democrats.
The 63-year-old mum is running in the Shannon local electoral area for Clare County Council – she’s the only woman on the ballot paper – and her son, 37, is on the hustings in Limerick City North.
Kieran was the city’s first openly gay councillor when elected for Labour in 2003 to 2009.
Betty, who has been actively involved in politics for more than 30 years, said: “I’m running because I want to be a voice for communities on Clare County Council.
“On the one hand it is good we are both running as we can bounce ideas off each other.
“The down side is we are both taking from the one human resources pot.”
Proud
Kieran added: “I’m proud to be running alongside my mother, albeit in different counties.
“Over the years, she’s always campaigned at elections and referenda.
“It will be no surprise to see her doing well in her own election.”
And for the business project manager, housing is top of the agenda.
Kieran said: “We desperately need houses to be built. From failing regeneration to record high rent prices, it’s bleak, not just in Limerick, but right across the country.
“The next five years are pivotal to the housing crisis, hopefully people vote for people like myself and Betty who genuinely want to see our communities thrive.”
Betty was an election candidate in 1999 for Labour – and Kieran was her campaign manager. She is currently being assisted by her other son Dr Martin Walsh, who is a well-known Limerick social historian.
Kieran is one of three candidates the Social Democrats are running in Limerick City – the others are Sarah Jane Hennelly and Elisa Donovan.
