Tina McDermott is a first-time Independent candidate in the Erne East DEA. She is married to John and has two sons, Aaron and Ryan. She is a proud grandmother to Jack, Gracie and Luca.

Why did you get into politics?

I have been a community activist for a number of years, for various causes. I never thought of any of it being political, just helping people.

After making the local papers for the Noah Donohoe Campaign, and more recently for Save Our Acute Services (SOAS), I was approached to run as an Independent.

I thought about it for a long time before I agreed, but I believe I can make a difference, and being a councillor would mean I can be a voice for the community.

Why should people vote for you?

I believe that I can make a difference. I have proven that I will fight hard for what I believe in.

I won’t take an “It’s a done deal”, or a “There’s no point” attitude.

Two years ago the funding for the playgroup in the village [Newtownbutler] was withdrawn; as part of the community, we fought and won [funding]. Now, unfortunately, we have to do it all over again!

I was told on numerous occasions whilst fighting for the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) that I was “wasting my time”.

SOAS didn’t stop – we now have a workable Five-Point Plan and attained over 30,000 signatures backing the plan in just over two weeks.

And with the help and foresight of Independent Councillor Eamonn Keenan, we have Cuban doctors willing and able to come to the SWAH.

The community, working together, can achieve the impossible.

What are the issues you will be fighting for in your DEA?

I will be fighting for equal access to GP services for Roslea and Newtownbutler. Traffic control before there’s a serious injury or death. Investment in our youth. Derelict buildings are a big bugbear of mine.

What are the biggest issues facing the Council area?

The lack of funding, being west of the Bann, the lack of investment, the lack of infrastructure – I could go on.

What are the issues the electorate have raised with you?

The lack of GP services. Traffic control in Newtownbutler. Traffic congestion in Roslea. The sorry state of the roads. The Lack of job opportunities and training for our youth. The lack of youth facilities. The derelict buildings. Erne East being completely forgotten about.

You only have to drive through the village of Newtownbutler to see how deprived we have been here.

An admin from the Facebook page called ‘Derelict Drogheda’ happened to be driving through the village and stopped to take photos, and deemed it the worst [most derelict village] they’ve ever seen.

Former councils should be ashamed.

How can we improve the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area?

We need to stop wasting money on frivolous things, such as those hideous rusty signs outside Enniskillen and Omagh, and use the money on infrastructure and our youth.

We need to have openness, honesty and accountability and we need to engage more with our electorate.

We have to know what they want or need and work accordingly.

I would also like to say that every councillor elected to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has a mandate from their electorate, and should never be silenced or excluded.