Gillian Toole declares in Meath East

Independent councillor Gillian Toole has announced that she will contest the forthcoming general election in the Meath East constituency.

A Meath County Councillor for ten years, she topped the poll in the Ratoath area in June's local elections with over 3,000 votes and is now throwing her hat in the ring in Meath East.

At a press briefing at the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, this morning, Gillian Toole's candidacy was announced by Senator Sharon Keogan.

Also supporting Cllr Toole at the top table as the announcement was made were independent councillors Brian Fitzgerald, Amanda Smith, Geraldine Keogan and Carol Lennon.

Senator Keogan said there was a big independent vote in Meath East and they intended to work alongside Gillian Toole to make sure they deliver an independent seat, which would be the first ever independent seat In Meath East.

Gillian Toole said she was wholeheartedly looking forward to working with the team on the ground and outlined 'independent-fair-persistent' as her motto.

She spoke of the infrastructure deficit in the rapidly growing areas across Meath East and her frustration at things not happening quickly enough and there not being enough money.

She also spoke of noise issues around Dublin Airport that are affecting Ashbourne and Ratoath and she said "at times are now creeping into Dunshaughlin". She also referred to issues around Thornton Hall and the lack of community engagement.

She expressed frustration at overspending and what she described as inappropriate spending.

Cllr Toole was first elected as a Fine Gael councillor in 2014 but left the party in 2019 and was elected an an independent.