GE2016 Profile: Micheal Callaghan (GP)

Age: 24

Occupation: PHD student in environmental law

Marital Status: In a relationship

Priorities:

Tackling rural decline, keeping shops and services open and providing opportunities for young people in Cavan Monaghan. Abolishment of the HSE and the creation of Community Health Organisations, prioritising health care in the home and the community. Promoting rural transport, including cycling in Cavan – Monaghan. Working with small farmers to secure their livelihoods and their important role as guardians of the natural environment.
Introducing direct democracy, via citizen initiated referendums and legislation – people need to feel like they have a real stake in our democracy. Long term, sustainable planning that puts our common good above short term interests.
This includes refusing corporate donations or any bribes. Investing in new social housing, to tackle the housing and homelessness crisis. Re – introducing the 80% windfall tax on land rezoning to caution against property speculation. Money raised via this tax will be invested in new social housing. We will hold a referendum, inserting housing as a social right into the constitution. Investing in our children’s future by increasing GDP spending on education from 6% to 7%.
Protecting our children and grandchildren’s future by taking progressive action on climate change and investing in clean, community controlled energy schemes.