Meet the candidates: who's running in Kildare North

Kildare North 

Seats: 5, Candidates 16 

CLEAR, Bill 

(Independent) 

 I have served as a county councillor in the Naas Municipal District for the past five years, and am running as an Independent candidate for Kildare North.

I am a marine investigator, married to Anne Marie, and we have three children, a girl in college and two boys in secondary school.

For many years, I have been an active volunteer in our community. I currently serve as chair of Naas Tidy Towns, vice chair of the Naas Access and Disability Group, chair of the Naas Greenways Group, and as a coach at Naas Athletic Club.

I am standing for election after topping the local elections, which I see as a positive reflection of my service to the community.

I want to bring the same commitment to Kildare North. Independent TDs are listening to the people and delivering results.

Kildare North has around 2,000 vacant and derelict homes, and I aim to bring these back into the community.

I will push for better access to services such as GPs and assessments for children with special needs. I will also focus on the lack of infrastructure, including creches, playgrounds, and addressing the Castletown House access issue.

Lastly, I will work for improved transport, including expanding the DART Plus to Kilcock and Sallins, and ensuring reliable bus services.

CRONIN, Réada 

(Sinn Féin) 

I’m running again for the Dáil with my colleague, Caroline Hogan. A TD since 2020, I’ve been working non-stop in the areas impacting on North Kildare life day-to-day: housing, schools, transport, healthcare, disability, carers, AONs/school-places for children with ASD; and animal welfare.

I’m running for Sinn Féin to give North Kildare people a real chance to change the government. Change, at last, after 100 years of Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael. Housing is my number one priority. In government, we will deliver 370,000 affordable homes by 2030. We will guarantee childcare at 10 euros per day per child; abolish USC on the first 45K of earnings; abolish the means test for carers; provide more GPs locally; reunite the lands at Castletown as an urgent priority. Through legislation, I will establish a Register of Convicted Animal Abusers, for the first time in law.

I’m the mother of grown-up children and a busy Nana to two young grandsons. I speak Spanish and am working hard on my Gaeilge. From my own parents, a primary school principal and garda superintendent, I know the power of public trust, the value and honour of public duty, public service.

DURKAN, Bernard 

(Fine Gael) I have represented both Kildare North over many years and Kildare South in earlier years.

I have always said that I would continue to go forward for election as long as I was able to do the job and there was work to be done.

I continue to do so with conviction, dedication and commitment and I am largely motivated by a vocational commitment to help others and make a difference wherever I can regardless of their social or economic status. Unfortunately, there is very little room for interests outside of politics if one dedicates themselves to the work in hand, but I follow the GAA, rugby, soccer and all sports.

I also enjoy movies but rarely have time to watch them.

FARRELLY Aidan 

(Social Democrats) 

I am married to Aisling and have three kids; Ella, Tadhg and Cillian. I am a youth worker and lecturer in Maynooth University alongside being a councillor in Kildare County Council.

If elected, I will have big shoes to fill following the co-founder of our party and a giant in Irish politics, Catherine Murphy. I pledge to work to represent the people and communities of Kildare North in the Dáil.

In government, my priorities will be ensuring value for money and accountability at the core of decision making; reform in housing to deliver affordable purchase and social homes; providing quality, accessible healthcare that is free at the point of need - delivered in the community; implementing a cap on childcare fees at €250 per month and a public option for early years and school-age care; providing fully funded disability services and a Minister for Disability at the cabinet table and a renewable energy revolution backed by state investment.

Outside of politics - I am a proud community and youth worker and have worked with youth clubs and organisations for 15 years.

I love sport and coaching the U14 soccer team is the best part of my week.

FEENEY, Angela 

(Labour) 

I am a mother of three and married to my husband Barry.

I have generations of history in north Kildare and have lived in Maynooth all my life and have raised my family here. Since 2019, I have been a Kildare county councillor and I have delivered for my community. I have fought for social housing, better infrastructure, and more amenities in our communities such as playgrounds, and a swimming pool.

North Kildare is one of the fastest growing areas, yet this government has us at the bottom of the table in funding, which is unacceptable. I have also been a vocal opponent to vulture funds and I blocked one from buying houses in Mullen Park.

I believe that home ownership should be a reality, not a pipe dream for young people. I have been an educator all my life and education is close to my heart.

I believe education is a lifelong process, so I strongly advocate for affordable and accessible childcare and adequate capacity and staffing levels in Kildare’s schools. If elected, we can deliver more resources to Kildare, more places in our schools and creches, and houses that are truly affordable.

HOGAN Caroline 

(Sinn Féin) 

I’m running for the Dáil with current TD Réada Cronin. Since 2020, I’m managing Réada’s hectic constituency office, so I can hit the ground running in the vital areas: housing, education, healthcare, childcare, AONs for kids with ASD, looking after our elderly, carers, people with disabilities.

Like Réada Cronin, I’m running for election to give North Kildare people a chance, at last, to change the government. I hope people will give Sinn Féin that chance after 100 years of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. My priorities are reuniting the lands at Castletown once and for all; housing, with 370,00 affordable homes by 2030; childcare 10 euro per child per day; abolishing USC on first 45K of salary; abolishing the Means Test for carers; guaranteeing more GPs locally. I want to set up proper supports for our teenagers, elderly and for families affected by addiction.

Outside politics, I’m an avid organic gardener, growing a good mix of vegetables and flowers, making sure to protect our precious North Kildare bees and birds. Originally from Kill, I live in Naas with my partner, children and our two dogs.

LAWLESS James 

(Fianna Fáil) 

I’m your local TD for North Kildare and recently appointed Minister at the Department of Transport.

I have been representing Kildare at local and national level for the past 10 years, first being elected to the council in 2014, and then having the honour of being elected to the Dáil twice since 2016.

I live in Sallins with my wife, two daughters and our dog, Luna.

I want to make life better for the people of Kildare North. I have always been very involved in my local community, even before becoming an elected representative.

I first got involved in politics as a commuter activist and remain a strong advocate for improving transport links, rail and bus services and active travel including greenways.

I now strive to improve services across the spectrum, be it health, housing, childcare, transport, help with keeping the rising cost of living in check, or working to make our schools better.

Outside of politics, I love the great outdoors, be it going for a walk with family and the dog along some of the lovely greenways the Government is funding in our constituency or heading on a fun run. I’m also a proud GAA and horse racing fan and served on my own club committee member at Sallins GAA.

MARTIN Vincent P 

(Green Party) 

I am married to Hilda with two young children. I am passionate about improving the quality of life of our local communities, especially in the challenging context of a growing population in Ireland’s largest commuter county.

Having just missed out on being elected in the last general election, I believe the time is now to elect the county’s first ever Green TD.

I have introduced and published the most Bills in the current Seanad. Using my experience as a barrister (Senior Counsel), I have drafted Bills covering a wide range of topics from supporting biodiversity to a series of five Bills to protect victims of domestic violence.

The government has taken on board some of my legislative proposals. I am delighted that my Bill to protect the native Irish honeybee from becoming extinct has passed all legislative stages in the Seanad. Securing a Dáil seat would allow me to progress further and enact into law more of these legislative initiatives.

Outside of politics, I am the founding chairperson of the annual Féile Liam O’Flynn, which celebrates the musical legacy of renowned Kildare uileann piper, Liam O’Flynn.

I am a member of Bird Watch Kildare; the Kildare IFA and I am an avid beekeeper. I also enjoy most sports.

NEVILLE, Joe 

(FINE GAEL) 

I am Mayor of County Kildare and I have been a councillor since 2014.

I am married with three children and involved with a range of clubs and community centres.

I have a consultancy business based in Maynooth having trained as an accountant with PWC.

As a councillor I have demonstrated that I have the enthusiasm, aptitude and appetite for work in my community, and now want to take that work to the next level.

I will be dedicated to being a strong voice for Kildare North in Leinster House.

I am running because I want to build a better future for North Kildare.

My key priorities are resolving the traffic crisis in North Kildare and providing a better public transport network for both bus and rail.

Also, providing creches, childcare facilities, community centres, playgrounds and resolving the Castletown House issue, and would like to see affordable homes for North Kildare families.

Outside of politics, I enjoy spending time with my family visiting the many wonderful attractions we have in the county. I have a keen interest in GAA and I coach some of the local underage Gaelic and hurling teams. I also enjoy soccer and many other sports.

I am an avid reader and particularly enjoy reading books about history.

Ó CEARÚIL Naoise 

(Fianna Fáil) 

I’m a proud Kildare native, husband to Aly, and soon-to-be father. Deeply rooted in Kildare, I’ve served as a county councillor for the past 10 years and was honoured to be Mayor of Kildare from 2021 to 2022. I’ve dedicated my life to representing and delivering for our community, from education to housing and public transport.

I’m running to deliver real change for North Kildare. My focus is on addressing the housing crisis, securing greater investment in public transport, and ensuring access to high-quality health, education and disability services. I have a proven record of delivering for our community, including leading large infrastructural projects for the northern part of the county. I know how to get things done, and I’ll bring that same energy and determination to the Dáil.

Outside of politics, I’m a passionate supporter of Kildare GAA, enjoy cooking, and value time spent with family and friends. With a baby on the way, I’m even more committed to making North Kildare a place where families and communities can grow and thrive.

SAMMON, Evie 

(Fine Gael) 

Born and raised in Kildare, I live on the outskirts of Naas with husband Andy, and daughter Clara.

First elected in 2019 at the age of 25, I was honoured to be re-elected again earlier this year.

As the youngest Councillor in Kildare and former Mayor of Naas (2022-2023) I has worked to support local businesses, provide childcare and school places, and enhance local amenities.

I am an active board member of the Kildare Wicklow Educational Training Board and the Planning and Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee.

I will fight to ensure that we’re not just planning for today’s needs but for the future as well.

It means expanding facilities for our sport clubs and recreational groups and supporting businesses in our town and village centres and supporting farmers in our rural areas.

If elected, my main priorities are building sustainable communities through delivering housing, affordable childcare, disability services, more school places and facilities for sports clubs and recreational groups; enhancing public transport by delivering the Dart+ for our growing population and expanding our bus network.

Outside of politics I enjoy history, being with my family. I love lifting weights in the Allyway Functional Training and checking out local playgrounds with Clara.

WATERS Dr Gerry 

(Irish Freedom Party) 

I’m a dedicated General Practitioner for over 40 years, a steadfast advocate for integrity, civil liberties, and scientific honesty. As the only doctor in Irish history to be suspended from the Irish Medical Council as a conscientious objector, I took a principled stand during the COVID-19 pandemic, refusing to administer experimental vaccines despite immense professional and financial risk. My commitment to patient rights and informed consent, combined with my unwavering belief in free speech, has made me a courageous voice in the healthcare community.

A passionate advocate for solving Ireland’s housing and homelessness crises, I have also prioritised fair taxation and promoting open debate on critical medical and social issues. I have long challenged mainstream narratives on topics such as climate change, government spending, and the influence of global organizations like the World Health Organization and the European Union on Irish sovereignty.

I am committed to protecting civil liberties, advocating for honest healthcare, and ensuring transparency in government policies. By electing me, you are choosing a tireless defender of free speech, individual rights, and the protection of Irish values. Together, we can fight government overreach and promote a future built on integrity and transparency.

WHELAN Leah 

PBP-Solidarity 

I am 27 years old. I have a diploma in Social Policy, a BA Degree in English and Irish, and a BSC Masters Degree in Equality Studies all attained from UCD.

I am a former PBP-Solidarity councillor, sitting on South Dublin County Council from 2021 to 2024.

I also worked from 2020-2022 as a parliamentary assistant in Leinster House to Mick Barry TD (PBP-SOL).

Currently I work teaching Irish in St. Aidan’s Community School. I also play the role of the student liaison officer for the Student Council.

In Kildare north, there are huge numbers of young people and young adults who are completely let down by the for-profit system. We need regular working class representation in the Dáil that will holdEH the government, big business and corporations to account! As a young adult, the prospects of owning and a home or getting public hosting doesn’t seem to be a reality - 70% of people ages 18-24 are thinking of leaving this country in hopes of a better life and opportunities. Many have already left and I’m sure young adults can relate to this. People deserve to work and live at home if they would like to - not being forced out by the policies of FF/FG. I want to be a voice for young people and for workers!

Sean Gill (Renua), Una O’Connor (Aontu), and Avril O’Connor (Irish People Party) are also running in Kildare North this general election.