Paul McGoldrick is a first-time candidate in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council elections. From Lisnaskea, the Independent candidate is running in Erne West following the announcement by Independent Councillor Bernice Swift to step down.

Why did you get into politics?

From a young age I have been acutely aware of the inequalities and failure of political representation here, therefore I always did something about that, and I became pro-active in politics by taking part in many big discussions on political decisions and processes for our betterment.

Being community-focused, I joined active campaigns against fracking in Fermanagh, and more recently I have stood up, refuted and protested at public meetings to ensure we save our rural healthcare services at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).

My values and interests have always had a political purpose for helping people, and when the opportunity arose to stand as an Independent councillor in Erne West with the support and endorsement of outgoing Councillor Bernice Swift, I am privileged to be considered to represent the rural voice within our local Council.

Why should people vote for you?

As an Independent I am not tied, shackled or restrained like the other candidates, who require permission to speak from their leaderships in Belfast, Derry or Dublin.

I will be free to voice and represent rural needs without hesitation.

People should vote for me as I have the ability and intellectual motivation to work in what I hope to be a fast-paced environment for meaningful results.

By voting McGoldrick Number 1, this will ensure the people of Erne West will have a capable, effective and sound Councillor who's wide-awake on all rural issues.

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

I will be a strong voice fighting on the endless list of all rural issues and services my voters need, deserve and pay for.

All healthcare issues needs to be addressed, such as hospital waiting lists, GPs, home carers/help, and the all-important Save Our Acute Services [campaign group] at the SWAH.

Also the cost-of-living crisis, demanding telecommunications and broadband for rural homes, fighting to secure the Pothole Pro [fixing machine is obtained by the Council] to fix the state of the roads.

As a champion for mental health services, I will work tirelessly to ensure accessible mental health services are obtained for all voters who are adversely impacted.

I will hold Central Government to account on solutions for Boho flooding, and rural community transport and our pharmacy services under threat will receive 100 per cent support from me.

I have already made my strong written representation to accountable bodies on these rural issues, seeking an immediate resolve.

What are the biggest issues facing the Council area?

In the absence of a functioning Stormont, the Council is the only government body functioning to represent the needs of people.

I will play my part to address all of the hardships faced within our rural economy.

Westminster’s tight Budget grip continues to cause worry about the future, which in turn places serious stress on rural families, and the Council will be managing a restrained budget whilst working to maintain and deliver services.

As an Independent, I want to support delivery, and I will have the interests of rural people at heart to ensure their services aren’t cut.

What are the issues the electorate have raised with you?

The crisis at the SWAH is top of the list for my rural electorate; a lot of people are very concerned about all healthcare services being stripped from the hospital.

Fibrus Broadband is another big issue, and how some houses have been bypassed whilst others on the same road are getting connected. This is unacceptable in this day and age, where digital access should be as simple as push-button.

The state of the roads is a serious issue, with many stories of potholes and car damage across the area, but hopefully I will continue the plans started by Councillor Swift to secure the Pothole Pro can address that issue.

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

Improvements will only happen with significant investment, ensuring rural ratepayers are getting value for money.

An Independent voice with a positive attitude is needed to bring action to that debate for decision-making.