The Five Demands

In esclusiva per The Five Demands: Ciaran McClean, candidato indipendente in West Tyrone, ha accettato di rispondere ad alcune nostre domande

(in lingua inglese)

Ciaran McClean is the independent candidate for the West Tyrone constituency in the next general elections. Let’s find out more about him.

1) Why did you decide to become a candidate?
Many reasons, firstly to highlight environmental abuses taking place in this area with no political will to stop them. Second, I wanted to offer a non sectarian option to voters, thirdly, to demonstrate a new way of doing politics

2) It is usually extremely difficult for an independent candidate to gain a seat, yet Kieran Deeny was able to reach second place (27,4% of votes) in West Tyrone, after Pat Doherty (SF). In your opinion, what convinced voters to support him?
His issue was an emotive one, the hospital, also he was non sectarian

3) In the case of victory, will you sit at Westminster or will you follow the principle of abstensionism?
Sit at Westminster

4) West Tyrone is a mostly rural district; what are your proposals in relation to the environment?
Protecting our economy is vital for Tourism and jobs. If we let the environment slip we let our economy slip also, so protection in these areas will not only help our economy but create sustainable jobs for the future in a green economy.

5) Cities in West Tyrone are affected by various problems. Omagh, for example, has frequently been hit by floods. Do you think that the measures currently implemented are satisfactory?
There are no Cities in West Tyrone, only towns. Flooding has been an issue in the past but in the grand scheme of things not a major issue. Yes our climate is changing and we well see more flash flooding in the future but we are pretty well resourced to deal with such events.

6) We know you are considered as a people’s man who lives and works in his constituency. Do you believe that the fact that other candidates are detached from their constituencies could be an advantage to your position?
The day of the election count may well answer that question, however it is important for any elected representative to be able to know the people and the area in my opinon. This area has not been well served in the past by an MP who was not from here.

7) West Tyrone has become crucial to agriculture. Other industries, e.g. the textile industry, are developing rapidly. What do you believe to be the most promising sector for the economy?
The way we look at economics has changed fundamentaly since the last election in 2005. The economic melt down has meant we must look at new and sustainable methods of creating industries that are sustainable. The new “Green Deal” will do that by focusing on ways of surviving without functioning on a boom bust cycle.

8 ) Of course, since we are talking about Northern Ireland, we cannot avoid discussing about the recent dissident activities. What do you make of the recent terrorist events in Ireland?
Certain types of people the world over will try to use terror to attain their goal, Northern Ireland is no exception, that said, we have seen the cost of such activity in the past. It didn’t work then, it won’t work now.

9) West Tyrone is manly catholic. What is your personal background and how do you think it will affect your results?
I was born into a catholic family but moved away from religion from the age of 16. I don’t have a religion which I believe will be to my advantage in this election.

10) Why should people from West Tyrone vote for you?
Because I represent a future that allows normal politics to develop and where the most pressing political issue (the environment) is put center stage, as opposed to the sectarian quibbling that passes for politics in West Tyrone.

11) What are you expecting from the next elections?
Let me get this one finished before I answer that question.

(Contenuto riproducibile previa autorizzazione di The Five Demands)