Cllr Gearóid

Buckley A Labour vision for West Cork

Buckley for

Cork SW

Buckley

For

Cork SW

Initiatives Carried out in

Bandon since Election 2009 In the course of the last year I have been involved in a number of initiatives in Bandon. Please see list below:

♦ I organised a “Think Tank” for Bandon that brought together business owners and residents to devise ways of

getting Bandon back on its economic feet. From this a Bandon Action Group was created and is now developing

strategies to revitalise the town.

♦ In conjunction with the Bandon Branch I organised 'Shop Local' campaigns on three ocasions to encourage peo-

ple to spend locally whenever possible.

♦ I campaigned to ensure that monies raised by Pay Parking are kept in Bandon. I also completed a detailed survey

of business owners and residents on their views on Pay Parking. I subsequently brought a proposal to Council

based on the findings of this survey.

♦ With the local Branch I made a submittion to the Draft County Development Plan on the economic and social

issues facing the Bandon Electoral Area. A copy of this proposal is available online. Once the draft plan is for-

mally published, it is my intention to organise a series of public meetings to allow ordinary citizens to have input

into the plan.

♦ I convened an action group to organise the Bandon Summerfest Festival.

♦ In conjunction with Gardaí & Firebrigade I organised a Road Safety exhibition for local schools.

♦ Following severe flooding last November I convened a public meeting that lead to the formation of the Bandon

Flood Committee. This committee has drafted a detailed proposal for the County Council.

♦ I developed a website www.bandonjobs.ie that offers information and advise on local employment.

♦ I organised an information and advice evening for students in Bandon.

♦ I secured ESB Fuel Points for electric car in Bandon

♦ Public awarness campaign on the Citizens Information service

♦ Secured Sponsorship of Canine Waste Bins for walking routes in Bandon.

Buckley For

Cork SW

Buckley For

Cork SW

Buckley For

Cork SW

Buckley For

Cork SW

Buckley For

Cork SW

Buckley For

Cork SW

Who am I

I have lived in Bandon all my life. I have always been involved in community initiatives and projects. I am

involved with— Bandon’s Foróige Club; Bandon GAA; Red Cross and Bandon United in Action.

I graduated from Cork Institute of Technology in June 2008 with a degree in Marketing.

I was twice elected President of CIT Students’ Union. This role has been by far my most challenging and

rewarding experience to-date. The role of President meant that I was regularly dealing with Union repre-

sentatives, VEC Boards and the Minister for Education. In fact, I was appointed to CIT’s governing body on

two occasions by the Minister.

In this position, I was responsible to a membership of over 12,000 students, many of whom came from

West Cork. My work involved assisting students with grant & medical card applications, accommodation

and a range of other issues. I sat of 28 different management committees within the college. I was

charged with overseeing the Union’s finances with an annual turnover of €800,000 as well as being re-

sponsible for five full-time staff members.

One of the most successful ventures during my Presidency was “Student Services Ltd.” which set-up to

provide catering and commercial services on campus. Working with Trade Unions in a proficient manner

resulted in the company recording an annual turnover of €4million. The profit created from this venture

is now being utilised to provide supports to disadvantaged students and families.

I am currently employed as Marketing Manager for Carbery Plastics Ltd, Clonakilty.

Previous employment experience includes:

President of CIT Students’ Union June 2008- May 2010

Foreign Exchange Officer, Bank of Ireland, Youghal Branch. June 2007– September 2008

Manager, The Plunkett Inn, Bandon October 2007– January 2009

Plus various other part time jobs to finance my Third Level Education

A Chara,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. We are in the midst

of the biggest economic and social crisis since the foundation of the

State. Political cronyism, bad economics and plain old greed has

brought us to the point of political and social bankruptcy.

Recent events in Ireland have highlighted that the capitalist agenda

has failed and the lack of public spirit shown by some politicians,

bankers and speculators have been extensively exposed. It is now

evident that this elitist group moulded a society where political and

corporate corruption was accepted as the norm and individual

wealth was more important than the wealth, health and well-being of the Irish nation. This golden circle became the

“untouchables” of Irish society and to-date no-one has been held accountable for bankrupting our Republic for gen-

erations. The ordinary citizen now foots the bill and faces hardship and uncertainty.

Unemployment, reduced services, cuts in social protection, increased poverty, home repossessions, homelessness etc.

– these issues have been largely side-lined by a media and a body politic that is obsessed with NAMA, bank bailouts,

leadership heaves and finding ways of taxing and imposing further levies on already vulnerable people.

I believe we need to rebuild our economy but this is also a unique opportunity to re-construct a society that is gov-

erned by trust, transparent accountability, collective & moral conscience, sustainability and human solidarity based

on the common good. I want to work along side citizens and communities in West Cork to initialise real political, eco-

nomic, social and cultural change that creates a nation where fairness, equality, justice, hope, dignity, trust and pride

are core values.

My vision is to support the sustainable management of our natural resources to enhance job opportunities — West

Cork can be a model for the development of wind, wave and other energy alternatives — Cottage style industries

supporting indigenous food production and exports — Urban renewal and regeneration programmes & rural tax re-

lief schemes that support rural business enterprises and create real and local jobs — Greater access and improved

speed of broadband — Flood relief programmes for towns such as Bandon, Kinsale, Clonakilty & Skibbereen to be

supported by Community Employment Schemes — New initiatives to support the fishing and marine industry—

development of a public & rural transport service — A system of care that cherishes the dignity and vulnerability of

all people.

I believe that the Labour Party offers the best opportunity to realise a future that is based on solidarity and the com-

mon good. I would be humbled if you would support me and a vision that is based on purposeful and meaningful

change . This vision of real change will be supported by an honest & visible work ethic and it will be underpinned by

the politics of truth, integrity and accountability.

BANDON LABOUR WORKING WITH PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES Since being elected to Bandon Town Council, and in my role as the first Labour Mayor of my town, I have worked in

every way to develop new initiatives and strategies to help Bandon grow in very difficult economic times. As a mem-

ber of the Labour Party, I have endeavoured to promote the town of Bandon and I have worked tirelessly with the

community, citizens and businesses to explore ways of creating new opportunities and sustainable jobs.

The Labour Party in Bandon has grown from six members to over forty in just one year. The branch is now recognised

as the most active political party in the Bandon area.

I hold a weekly advise clinic for my constituents in order to ensure that I stay connected with the issues and concerns

that people face in their everyday lives. This year the Branch combined a very successful “May Day” flag day with a

“Shop Local” campaign. We have distributed at least 10 different information and local news leaflets highlighting vari-

ous projects being undertaken in the community.