‘I love representing the people of Navan and to give back any way I can’

Linda Nelson Murray's first taste of politics was when she took on the insurance industry when she faced losing her business over massive insurance costs.

Determined to protect the business she had built with her husband, Finbarr Murray, she formed the Play Activity and Leisure Ireland (PALI) lobby group, spoke before a Dáil committee and her campaigning saw a reduction in insurance costs for those in the leisure industry.

The FG councillor who was elected to Meath County council last June, runs the Zone in Navan with her husband.

Five years ago they were two weeks ago from closing as they couldn't get insurance for their play and activity centre. It was while fighting to save the business, she got her first taste of politics.

Her campaigning saw new legislation on insurance introduced as well as lower premiums for those in the play and leisure industry

She spoke on national radio, was meeting politicians including Charlie Flanagan who was Justice Minister at the time, Michael D'Arcy, the then Minister of State for Public Expenditure and Reform and of course, her own local TD, Damien English.

Her high profile in the public eye at this time, saw her being approached by a number of parties and she found herself working as a parliamentary assistant to outgoing Meath West TD, Damien English.

“I enjoyed working with Damien and I could see what he was doing for people, so I was delighted to be asked to run in the local elections.

“I love working as a councillor. I'm from Navan and I love that I have the chance to represent the people of the town and to give back in any way I can.

“I believe we work well together on the council and It is great to see so much progress in the town.”

While Cllr Nelson Murray is delighted with the improvements wrought by the Navan 2030 scheme, she said there is huge concern among local business about the loss of parking facilities.

“I arranged for local businesses to meet the Council CEO recently and 22 businesses attended. They are concerned at the loss of parking, the NX bus driving through the town and delaying traffic and they spoke of the need for traffic management while the works are taking place.”

In the months since she was elected, she had seen many issues facing local families including the housing situation and the desperate situation many people find themselves in. “There are people in terrible situations and this is an issue we will continue to work on.”

She said that the issue raised with her most often is speeding. “When canvassing for local elections and again now, it seems to be the biggest issue on the doorsteps. People are worried about speeding in housing estates, outside schools and going through villages. I have had people in Kilmessan and Dunderry in particular, concerned about speed.”

The rail line to Navan is a big issue for Cllr Nelson Murray. “My parents used to get the bus to Dublin sixty years ago. I am delighted that recent studies show the need for a rail line to Navan and that it will be constructed. As a TD I would ensure that happened sooner rather than later. Work life balance is very important and I see the pressure people commuting to Dublin are under.”

Cllr Nelson Murray is delighted to see recent investment in Our Lady's Hospital in Navan including the proposals for 13 new beds at the facility.

The hospital is an issue close to her heart. “I was in ICU for about a week two years ago when I got sick very suddenly and the care I got was excellent. My Dad was in and out of the hospital for many years. I am proud of the services that Navan Hospital provides and I want to see further investment in it.

“I have relatives and friends to work there. It is a major employer in Navan and surrounding areas.”

She points out that a new primary care centre is also being built in Navan, which will be a major bonus to health services in the area.

The North South Interconnector is a major concern for Cllr Nelson Murray. “I know a lot of people who live in the path of the pylons. My best friend lives in one of the areas, where they are putting the pylons. I completely understand why people are worried. I would love to be part of the debate, I'd like to take a fresh look at it and what else can be done.”

For Cllr Nelson Murray her major priority is to improve the situation for children with highly complex needs and their parents. “Over the past five years I have worked with many families who had children who weren't getting the services they needed.

“I have seen people really struggling to get the services their children desperately need. I met one particular lady and as a mother I just wanted to give her the world. We should be able to look after children with complex needs, their parents and brothers and sisters, they deserve it.

“I didn't walk in that woman's shoes, but, as a mother I can imagine what it is like,” she said.

“I'm so proud FG has chosen me to contest this election. I have had been getting unbelievable support from my Fine Gael colleagues. Whatever happens in the election, I hope to continue serving the people of this area.”