Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail)

Shane Cassells (32) is a young politician who has represented Meath at local authority level for 12 years. A native of Navan, he is currently vice-chairman of Meath County Council and a qualified journalist, holding a BA in journalism and media communications. His key message for this election is the need to restore confidence in the economy and the country. He has stresses that those who are making decisions about our future need to be aware of what the real pressures people are facing. "The fear of whether you are able to make bill payments, provide for your children and the pressure of personal home debt all combine to make life extremely difficult for many people at present," he adds. He says that rebuilding a country and an economy where people can work their way out of these pressures must be the top priority for all those elected to Dail Eireann. Pledging an articulate and energetic approach, his priorities include employment, focusing on small and medium business incentives for Meath, health, including the protection of Navan Hospital and the building of a new regional hospital, and the urgent need for a public park for the benefit of families. A 2012 start on construction of phase two of the Navan rail line and local school investments are other priorities.