Last weekend, I took a trip to Sneem and was greeted warmly by everyone I met, from the corner shops, to the hardware store, the local butchers, the pharmacy, the bookshop and the pubs. We had good chats covering a lot of topics local and national. While I live in Killorglin, the issues I focus on impact everyone in the district. The housing crisis needs urgent attention, and our GP and healthcare systems must be improved. Ireland has the means to lead in these areas; we just need the political will and right policies.

I stayed at Thidwick B&B close to Caherdaniel, run by a wonderful couple, Clare and Dezy. But first I visited the Black Shop and chatted with locals over a pint before heading to Staigue Fort Bar and joining the Caherdaniel Rowing Club quiz night. A great night raising money for the local rowing club, it’s important to keep our traditional coastal rowing alive. I appreciate everyone who came out and also asked me questions that evening regarding running for local election, especially a long conversation with Vincent Hyland, environmentalist and author of Wild Derrynane, about how the environment has changed over the years.

Then onto Ballinskelligs and Waterville with its beautiful seafront. It has a lot of potential for regeneration if we develop outdoor and adventure tourism, and put as much effort in this for South Kerry as we do for Killarney tourism, especially with the greenway fully opening by 2026. If done correctly, listening to those on the ground who can fulfill these kind of events, and hand-in-hand with accommodation providers and a properly funded marketing plan, the potential can be transformative.

A key takeaway from my trip was discovering how many people from places like the UK and South Africa have moved to South Kerry in the last 4-5 years. Many didn’t know they could vote in the local election. If you’re living in the Kenmare Municipal District, you can register to vote here. I urge everyone to check their registration on www.checktheregister.ie and make sure to vote. It’s a simple but crucial way to have a say in our community’s future.

Your support and vote are vital for bringing about the change we need.

-Tim Clifford, Candidate for Social Democrats in the Local Election Area of Kenmare.