New candidate Caitríona Bergin to raise issues affecting North Leitrim at this weekend's Fine Gael Ard Fheis

As a first-time candidate and a relative newcomer to official politics Caitríona Bergin is using her voice to represent the community in North Leitrim at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis this weekend.

She has taken the bull by the horns and submitted 3 motions for consideration to be added to the manifesto for government.

The opportunity for individuals, branches and member groups to submit motions to be debated and selected to be incorporated in the manifesto for government is vital to ensure the representation of all areas of society and key to how our democracy works.

“I’m excited to get the opportunity to be able to put these motions forward for consideration. If they are selected, I will have to put my argument to the members to vote on whether to accept the motion. I really wanted to represent what I have been hearing out on the doorsteps over the past month, real concerns in our communities.”

As a member of the Fine Gael Women’s Network, Caitríona Bergin, was also involved with a large number of motions that is hoped to be brought forward this Saturday at the Ard Fheis in Galway. Areas such as menopause, surrogacy, parental leave, carers’ supports, pregnancy loss, freedom from coercion and many more.

“Our voices need to be heard and with more women entering politics we will see better support and improvements in areas affecting women and families”

The three motions that Caitríona is bringing forward are in relation to rural depopulation and planning issues, counteracting the rise in disinformation and pre and post school hours childcare in schools.

Motion 1: Planning permission & Septic systems

That this Ard Fheis recognises the declining population in rural Ireland, coupled with the difficulty in obtaining planning permission on family farms and the restrictions on septic tank systems and calls on this government to implement a suite of measures to address this through research & innovation in new septic tanks systems and a reform in planning permissions in rural Ireland in relation to family farms. Thus enabling succession planning on farms and keeping our younger generation in rural Ireland.

Motion 2: Debunking Disinformation

That this Ard Fheis recognises the rise in misinformation, disinformation & AI generated videos (content) creating a divisive culture in Ireland and calls on this government to implement a critical thinking & empathy education programme across primary and post primary education ensuring stronger safer communities.

Motion 3: Primary Level Childcare

That this Ard Fheis recognises the challenges that parents and guardians face in regards to childcare costs and its availability, and calls on this government to endeavour to deliver pre & post school hours care within primary education facilities (between 8am & 6pm).

Caitríona wants to use every means possible to represent her community and make a real change to benefit everyone. Should you wish to raise any local issues with Caitríona Bergin you can contact her at CBerginFG@gmail.com