Waterford Election 2024: 11 questions with Mairead McKnight (Labour Party)

Ahead of this weekend’s local elections the Waterford News & Star asked candidates to answer 11 quickfire questions to give the electorate a view of their priorities and what can be expected from them if elected.

Cath lab or airport?

Waterford are entitled to have both it shouldn’t be a choice. I understand we have made a start on the Cath lab but it’s not 24/7 and Waterford needs 24/7 and we also need an Airport.

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

The lack of affordable housing, homelessness, footpaths and play areas for children and to maintain play areas especially within local authority estates.

What’s your favourite album or book?

UB40 Greatest Hits 

Why did you get into politics?

I want to represent the people that feel they haven’t a voice. There are a lot of people out there that find themselves with no one to turn to. They don’t understand their entitlements or how to fill up forms due to literacy reason etc. and I want to advocate for those people and many more.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Putting my neck on the line and running in the Local Election. For anyone running for the first time it takes a lot of courage and fair play to all the candidates that are running.

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

Potholes. No point having nice cycle lanes with massive poth holes.

Tea or coffee?

Tea.

Your favourite blaa filling?

If I was a real Blaa I would say luncheon but since I am only a blow in it is meanies crisps for me.

Biggest political influence?

My parents they looking down on me now and I know they are very proud of me.

Who makes the most dinners in your house?

Not me anyway.

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

I would like to see the people of Ferrybank who are under the Kilkenny electorate be transferred over to Waterford. The people of Ferrybank feel that they don’t have anyone to represent them and with Ferrybank divided the way it is that doesn’t help the matter.

Some of these residents are Waterford local authority tenants but must tax their cars in Kilkenny and vote at a local election for Kilkenny candidates.

I would also like to see a sub-office back in Tramore. The office should have been left open when the council merged in 2014, as like the people of Ferrybank, they feel slightly forgotten. Tramore is an expanding town, and they should have an office that they can call in to and speak to someone if they have any questions or concerns instead of driving to the city or Dungarvan.