Waterford Election 2024: 11 questions with Cllr Jim Griffin (Sinn Fein)

Ahead of this weekend’s local elections the Waterford News & Star asked candidates to answer 10 quickfire questions to give the electorate a view of their priorities and what can be expected from them if elected.

Cath Lab or airport?

As a board member of the Airport you would expect that but reality check we can have options to use another airport, cardiac arrest needs immediate intervention and our inadequate service has led to deaths so for me Cath Lab but both important issues.

Specific problem in your own electoral ward you would like to see addressed?

Housing delivery ,all inclusive playing pitches /areas, proper planning infrastructure.

What's your favourite album or book

Book – ‘To School Through the Fields’, life was so simplistic back then reading this book I thought and felt I was the main character.

Why did you get into politics?

I was fed up giving out from the sideline and decided to do something, but my family history on my dad's side, Griffin/Power has four generations in WCCC and me now 5th.

What's your proudest achievement?

Political, I’d say my vision at the time to rejuvenate O'Connell St area which, when I brought it to Council, the Cultural Quarter was born and developed. I am still on the steering group some seven years later and the longest serving Councillor on the CQ Steering group.

Potholes or cycle lanes - which would you invest in first?

Potholes for now, as I have grave concerns at present for cycle lanes as not enough funding is found to implement proper lanes safely where a barrier is installed between cyclist/motorist and our narrow roads are not like European standards.

Tea or coffee?

Tea 100%, didn’t hear of coffee until my late teens.

Your favourite blaa filling?

Redlead, crisps and red onion.

Biggest political influence?

Martin McGuinness [and] Nelson Mandela.

Who makes the most dinners in your house?

That would be Caroline.

What one thing would you most like to see change in Waterford during your term, if elected?

Housing delivery and first home as well as an all-inclusive society for all in our county, and Cllrs wearing the Blue and White jersey before anything else .