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VOTE O'Neill No 1

To whom it DOES concern,

My name is Seamas O'Neill and this year I am running for the local elections. In the times we are in, we face unprecedented changes and challenges. The reason I am running is because, on a local level, I wish to do my bit to make a real difference to our community.

I was born and reared in the Dundrum community and I have seen us change in many different ways. Having worked extensively at various levels with residents associations and different groups in the immediate area, I have built up a vast amount of experience in understanding the issues that matter to my neoghbours and the wider community.

Many people are disillusioned with the party political system. They are frustrated that members of succesive parties get in time and time again simply because people recognize the party and vote. To me, I have always wanted whoever represents me to be the best candidate and not just a member of a party.

If I get the chance to meet you, I am sure that you will realise why I can make a difference and how willing I am to put in whatever it takes to ensure we have a strong presence in the Council. I am asking for your help and in return I will give back by representing you as best I can and ensure that we all have a say in what goes on. While the parties argue back and forth we need to have a voice that can be heard, that must be listened to. If you give me the chance, I will be that voice.

Seamas O'Neill - Number 1 in Dundrum

Getting to know me better

At fifty seven years of age, I have been living in the neighbourhood all my life. I went to Holy Cross National School in Dundrum, Marian College in Ballsbridge, University College Dublin and DIT Kevin Street.

I am a Member of the Dunlaoghaire-Rathdown voluntary forum working group as well as a member of the joint Policing committe for the Dundrum Area. My late father Seamus O'Neill helped fund the church in the local area and my late brother Dr Tony O'Neill (The Doc) was well known in the community and Ireland for his contributions to University, Irish and International Football.

I was active in politics for over 37 years and although I was a member of party for some of them, I became disillusioned with its need to conform with the party's policies and failure to address real people issues.

I decided to run for the local elections as an independent candidate because I wanted to be in a position where I could help the community without having to worry about internal power struggles, political sensitivities and allegiances to people I didn't necessarily always agree with. I want to be free to make the best decision for the people who vote for me and not the best decision for the party I represent.

I am a qualified second-level teacher in Mathematics and Scince as well as a freelance theatrical technician and have been lucky enough to work in Ireland and across America. I now seek to work to benefit the wider community as a whole and I really hope you will help me on this journey.