New candidate Tom vows to be 'a voice for the voiceless'
Goresbridge resident Tom Healy will run as an Independent in the next general election
A GORESBRIDGE resident has vowed to be a “voice for the voiceless” as he announces his intention to stand as an Independent in the Carlow/Kilkenny constituency at the next general election.
Tom Healy, a native of Dublin, now lives in Goresbridge with his wife Bridget. He is an economist who formerly served in a number of government departments as well as the Economic and Social Research Institute and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. He holds a PhD in economics-sociology from UCD (2005).
Tom has also served as director of the trade union think tank the Nevin Economic Research Institute and is an active volunteer in the Society of St Vincent de Paul, a trade unionist, a pro-life activist and lay minister. Tom is also a writer, speaker and author of numerous publications, including (2019).
“In our communities and in the counties of Carlow and Kilkenny, we can work together to build a prosperous and thriving region of Ireland,” said Tom.
“I have much in common with other candidates, including a commitment to expand and reform our public services. I am different to most other candidates because I speak out and act on issues of economic and social justice, regardless of whether this is popular or expedient to do so. What you hear and see is what you get.”
Tom vows that “Independent means independent”, adding that if elected he will not vote for a Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael-led government. “Neither will I vote for an alternative government unless it offers protections to human rights in key areas outlined in my manifesto,” he said.
Tom stated that four core principles uniquely mark him out as a candidate, including a commitment to protecting all human life from its beginning to its natural end, a resolute opposition to the politics of hatred and division espoused by the far right, a pledge to work for a new economic and social model founded on principles of solidarity and the common good, and uncompromising support for international solidarity and European social and democratic values. Tom stated that he will also fight for the right to housing to be included in our constitution and a sustained commitment by government to “public, affordable and green new homes to meet the needs of a growing population”.
