GE2016 Profile: Michael McDermott (DDI)

Name: Michael McDermott (Direct Democracy Ireland)

Age: 35

Marital status: Married, three children

Occupation: Technical trainer, automotive industry

Priorities:

'It is hard to only pick one issue to speak about when there is so much that needs to be fixed. I will highlight the mortgage and homelessness crisis as they both are associated with the high rate of suicide in Ireland.

'Recently, 82 families were before the Courts in Cavan, with the banks seeking possession orders to throw these families out on the streets. These are the same banks that we bailed out, and we are still paying the price today and for generations to come. This Government promised us a write down on all mortgages if elected... They lied!

'Our elected Fine Gael TDs signed the Eviction bill in 2013 to assist the Banks in removing families from their homes. Fifteen hundred children are currently living in emergency accommodation so how is this acceptable? Nothing will change unless the current incumbents are changed by voting for people who genuinely care for the welfare of others who are less fortunate. I am here to make a difference. A new democracy, a stronger Ireland.'