Chamber urges a vote for Carlow-based candidates
People are asked to give their preference votes to Carlow candidates
COUNTY Carlow Chamber of Commerce is encouraging people to stick to one of their own in the upcoming general election by voting for Carlow-based candidates. Currently there are five Carlow-based candidates and 13 Kilkenny-based candidates on the ballot paper.
The chamber last week launched its ‘Vote Carlow Campaign’, in a drive to secure two TDs for Co Carlow and increase the county’s influence at national level.
“The people of Carlow have a very real opportunity to shape the future of our county by securing a second TD for Carlow,” said Michael Quinn, president of County Carlow Chamber of Commerce.
“But this can only happen if we all support our local candidates. Carlow is growing, developing and improving. It is important that we keep this forward momentum going – so that it is a great place to live, work and do business. Securing a second Carlow-based TD would give us a stronger voice at national level and ensure that the needs of the people of Carlow are heard,” he added.
The chamber states that it is a member-based, apolitical organisation – not affiliated to any political party or individual. Its priority is championing Co Carlow and the businesses that they represent. The chamber said it developed the Vote Carlow Campaign in response to a mandate from its members: 96% of those surveyed wanted to see a campaign to encourage voters to secure a second TD for the county.
In the past, Carlow has struggled to elect a second TD in the five-seat Carlow/Kilkenny constituency – with four seats remaining in Kilkenny. The challenge has often been a lack of transfers and the chamber believes that by strategically using your preferences, the Carlow public can help ensure that Carlow candidates receive the support they need to stay in the race and ultimately to secure a seat.
“Every vote counts. It is not just about giving your number one preference to Carlow candidates; it is equally important to consider giving your second, third, fourth and fifth preferences to Carlow candidates as well. By doing this you are securing the necessary transfers that can make all the difference in a tight race,” said Nicola Doran, CEO of County Carlow Chamber of Commerce.
The ask on polling day is that the Carlow electorate give not only their number one vote to a Carlow candidate but you also give your preferences to any of the Carlow candidates “that you feel you can support – for Carlow’s sake”.
The chamber has also developed a manifesto that has been presented to all the Carlow candidates in a bid to ensure that whoever wins the seats and represents our county at national level has a clear understanding of the issues facing businesses in the county, and the challenges to be overcome.
