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A candidate for Independent. View party
ELIMINATED
Ilse-Maria Nolan
Party
Constituency
Occupation
Director of a medical company
Biography

Nolan has been a businesswoman for the past two decades and feels the neglect of farming and fishing sectors, housing, immigration and overcrowded hospitals are the dominant issues this election. Nolan tells us she is not a politician but decided to join because the current government is ‘out of touch’ with people.

Question time
Why did you decide to run in this election?

I’m not a politician, I’m an Irish businesswomen with a proven track record. I’ve been in senior business positions in global industry the last 20 years, and now I run my own company. I have never considered running for election before and have no interest in becoming a career politician. However, I feel compelled to step up because I feel that the Irish government is out of touch with the people, unfit to address current challenges. They have contributed to a range of crises, including the cost-of-living crisis, a mismanaged healthcare system, chaotic, uncontrolled immigration, unprecedented waste of public funds and record levels of homelessness.

I made the decision to run after three critical events that will profoundly affect Ireland’s future: The Taoiseach signed Ireland up to the UN’s ‘Pact for the Future’ without public consultation (22 September 2024). The Justice Minister’s rushed passage of the 'Hate Offences' Act (29 October 2024), which many Irish people strongly oppose.The Government’s lack of preparedness for potential shifts in global policies, such as those of the Trump administration. Ireland needs pragmatic, business-minded leaders who can develop real-world solutions to weather such challenges.

What do you think is the greatest issue the country faces right now?

The greatest issue facing Ireland is the loss of sovereignty and the Government’s prioritisation of EU policies over the needs and livelihoods of the Irish people. This has led to widespread failures, including:

Uncontrolled immigration
Overcrowded hospitals
A deepening housing crisis
Neglect of vital sectors like farming and fishing

Ireland must put its people first and recognise that it is not a wealthy country that can afford to squander resources or defer to external organisations like the EU or UN.

What would you like your first speaking time in the Dáil to be about if you get elected?

My first focus in the Dáil would be Ireland’s sovereignty. Ireland must reclaim its autonomy, and this issue deserves a thorough and open discussion. Ireland should stand independently, prioritising the needs of its people over external agendas.