In the build-up to election 2020, Clare FM is meeting each of the candidates and allowing them a chance to outline to you, the voter, what they will do if elected on February 8th.
Australia native David Barrett, who is based in Cooraclare, is running as an Independent.
My vision for Clare:
I would like to see:
- Our region prosper, both financially and socially.
- Clare to be a place that people want to live in.
- A place that provides for its people’s health, education, employment and housing needs.
- A holistic approach to tourism where we attract tourists to enjoy extended holiday experiences throughout Clare.
- A diversified farming sector that prospers while continuing to provide world class products.
- A sustainable fishing industry grow and prosper with processing and value adding done here in Clare.
- Clare to capitalise on the sustainable energy market, and to be leaders in environmental stewardship.
- Local Irish businesses supported and prospering, and the main streets of our towns and villages rejuvenated and vibrant.
- Larger industries to replace the losses of others like Moneypoint by promoting direct foreign investment across the whole county.
My priorities if elected:
I would work to get a fair share for County Clare.
As an Independent I would be working for County Clare and not for Dublin like the Dublin-centric parties. I would be answerable to the people of Clare, not Dublin puppet-masters.
By working collaboratively with Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), Enterprise Ireland, our Irish MEPs in Brussels, the Ministers in the Dail, local councillors, the tourism board, Teagasc and industry bodies I would like to draw wealth into Clare and grow our jobs and prosperity across the county.
I reject the policies of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens that encourage the depopulation of rural areas.
I would like to repair the damage done to our social services.
Health, Disability services, Home Care, Child Care etc. have all taken a battering. We need strong voices to stand up for our people and get a fair share for County Clare.
My experience:
As an Engineer I have spent a career finding real solutions to real problems. I have vision for a better county and the ability to manage projects from concept to reality.
I am civic minded and know that a booming economy is no good without social equity. I am proud of the 8 years I served as a volunteer ambulance officer for the small town I lived in, in Western Australia.
