Meet the candidates: Adam Ó Ceallaigh

Where are you from?

Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. Home of the Gunpowder Gin.

How did you get into politics?

I was always acutely aware of politics during my time in secondary and as a sixteen-year-old was mobilised by the Fridays For Future climate strikes in 2019. Staying up to date during the lead into the local and European elections in 2019, I saw that the Green Party had many young people running and from this, I felt a great sense of empowerment. To see that the Green Party not only cared about the environment but also empowered young people to have their voices heard in elected positions. Being a member of Scouting Ireland for the past sixteen years, Youth Empowerment is something that is core to who I am.

What’s coming up on the doorsteps?

In a rural constituency, I hear a lot about how "the Green Party hates rural Ireland" or how "the Green Party hates the farmers". My response to that is by saying that I wouldn't be representing the party if that was the case and this usually disarms people allowing for some conversation to follow. After a couple of minutes, I usually have their opinion changed. Finding the time to do this for 10,000 people in my LEA is the issue.

The vibe I get from people is that they generally feel disenfranchised by politics right now. Not only from government parties but also from the opposition. They are often very excited to see someone so young from their community appear at the doorstep with plenty of energy!

Something we would expect about you?

Potentially predictable, I study Geography and Political Science at Trinity. I have just finished my final year dissertation with the title 'The Role Public Transport Plays in Affecting Social Change in Leitrim'. I am passionate about rural connectivity and the social change that comes as a result of public transport investment.

Something we wouldn’t expect?

I am an avid mountaineer and have worked as a hike guide in some of the smaller mountains in the Swiss Alps (2000m). Aside from that, I have climbed two 4,000 meter peaks, 3.85 times the height of Carrauntoohil in Kerry.

How can people support your campaign?

As a first-time candidate, that is still a college student, the best way for people to help me is by donating to my campaign: https://donorbox.org/help-elect-adam-o-ceallaigh Any donation big or small would be greatly appreciated. In lieu of donation, people are welcome to come and spend a lovely weekend in my house in Leitrim to help canvass.

For more information on Adam and how to contact him, see here.