Daithi Stephens (Independent)

Daithí Stephens is a 59 year-old father of seven adult children and grandfather of seven, a 'GAA junkie' and former chairman of Dunderry GAA and Camogie Clubs. His mother's people were McCormacks of Churchtown and he has lived in Dunderry since 1986. The eldest of nine siblings, he was reared in Blanchardstown. He worked in the public service for over 30 years and currently works on a small farm and helps self-employed and unemployed people navigate the multiple hurdles they are required to jump. He says that, having seen life from both sides, he is certain that anybody with a public service job or pension, no matter how severely cut, is in Heaven compared to the self-employed and unemployed who are in a permanent hell of over-regulation by dysfunctional political and administrative systems. He urges people not to trust the main political parties. Mr Stephens survived a stroke in 2009 in Navan Hospital and was appalled to discover the clot-busting medication which greatly improves the outcome of a stroke was not available there and this was only rectified in 2010. He says he promises to pursue policies of compassion, generosity and help for those who need it, especially mortgage-holders.