Cork-born and Tramore-raised John D Walsh is standing on the Christian Democrat ticket in Friday’s general election, and has pledged to foster a society in which ‘all are encouraged to fulfil their potential and where families flourish’.
“Therefore, I will oppose the removal of the pro-life 8th Amendment, which guarantees the equal right to life for all,” he stated.
“I will defend the right of healthcare professionals to exercise their conscience in matters of life and death. This means they will be able to opt out of life-ending procedures. Moreover, public representatives must be free to vote on matters of conscience in the Houses of the Oireachtas.”
The married father of three, who has a Masters Degree in Politics and works as direct marketing database consultant, believes that the “Freedom of Information Act must be extended to cover the 2013 Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act” . He has also committed to defending the rights of “parents and children to select the type and ethos of their preferred local school”.
Echoing the sentiment expressed by the entire electoral field, Mr Walsh supports the establishment of a 24/7 cardiac care cover at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) and the extension of transport links to rural communities, to help safeguard their way of life.
Mr Walsh said he would support transparency and accountability in local government and has also called for increased Garda levels, an end to homelessness and for banks to show greater “respect to the family home”.
In his election biography, John Walsh states: “I will abolish Irish Water, ensure tax credit for child care (and) I will fully support entrepreneurs, the self-employed and farmers with fair taxation for PAYE workers. e need stable government with integrity to ensure jobs and a living wage for all.”
Mr Walsh previously stood in the 2014 Local Election in Waterford City East, in which he received 141 first preferences, a 1.8 per cent share from a valid poll of 7918 votes.