Speakers’ Corner: Louise Fenelon Gaskin

Louise Fenelon Gaskin APR24

ith the local elections set for Friday, June 7th, we have once again sent out our Speakers’ Corner questionnaire to the local wide-eyed hopefuls.

Starting with the 11 candidates running in the Greystones Electoral Area, we’ll then open the floor to the other 5,429 upstanding Wicklow citizens currently stepping into the ring for 2024.

Up for grabs, 32 councillor seats across this great county of ours, with all the hopes and dreams – plus prestige, pressure, resentment, ridicule and mediocre pay – that such an exalted position entails.

Suffice to say, there are plenty of candidates to choose from, from the strong, silent types who simply, quietly get on with their work in the community to the loud, social media-shagging self-promoters who seem to leave little time for any actual graft. We’ve been reporting on this town daily for 12 years now, and the one thing we’ve become very, very wary of is the black arts of stolen valour. Feckers sticking their flag in other people’s hard work by racing to share the good news first on Facebook, Instagram and beyond, slyly hoovering up all the likes, thanks and praise in the process. It’s akin to waiting at the finish line and throwing your arm around the winner for a quick selfie, owning their victory online before they’ve even had time to catch their breath.

It must be love…

So, whatever your party loyalties and your political leanings, it’s worth taking a moment to look beyond the glitter. These people will be your eyes and ears – and big mouth – down in Wicklow County Council, after all.

In the meantime, on with Speakers Corner 2024, and the outspoken Louise Fenelon Gaskin. First, a quick bio…

Louise is a native of Greystones with deep roots in the town and strong connections from across the county, having worked in a wide range of local organisations and community groups – including being on the Board Of Management at St Brigid’s National School and a family liaison officer with Eire Og Greystones – and has invested time into delivering positive change and reform for schools in the area.

Fine Gael Minister Simon Harris said she brings “experience, energy, local knowledge and a can-do attitude to the campaign” and that she has “a passion for our community and a strong track record of voluntary work and activism, business experience and community involvement”.

Married to Frank Fenelon, the couple have 5 children – Shane, Cian, Daire, Laoise and Ceoladh – ranging from 16 years to 26, Louise operates an accounts and bookkeeping practice locally.

And now for those sensitive but firm, life-changing Guide questions…

What inspired you to become involved in local politics? Was there a Road To District Council moment…?
I am Greystones born and bred, part of a third generation of Gaskins that grew up here. I have a love and a passion for the town and over the years I have always tried to work on local projects and give something back to the community.

Since I was very young I’ve always had an interest in politics since. Growing up there were always conversations in our house about councillors and politicians and what should and shouldn’t be happening in Greystones and Dublin.

When Simon Harris initially approached me about running in the local elections, I hesitated. However, after some reflection and chats with close friends and family, I realised it was an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the community and I would bring a passion to get things done.

Of your work so far, are there particular achievements that you are particularly proud of?
I am a founder of the East Wicklow Business Network, and we are proving to be a great support to local businesses. I have been involved with St Brigid’s on the BOM and TCG raising a lot of funds for necessary funds for their schools. Collaborating with Simon Harris and the Department of Education to secure the Holy Faith Convent for St. Brigid’s School stands as a significant achievement. Without our efforts, the property might have fallen into the hands of developers, it was important to secure it as a community amenity. My involvement with St. Brigid’s Board of Management and Temple Carrig has helped raise vital funds for the schools.

Looking forward, what are the main goals that you would like to achieve over the coming years?
I am passionate about improving youth mental health services. I know there is a serious amount of work to be done with the medical profession and the wider communities to put in place proper support services. Also, advocating for better disability access in our community is crucial. I would pledge to undertake an audit of
premises to recommend improvements to the Council.

Addressing the ongoing challenge of school places is a high priority, and I am committed to collaborating with school boards and parents to find solutions. I will continue to develop important supports for all local businesses and help create employment in our communities at every opportunity.

To turn a fine Mayor Quimby quote into a question, ask not what you can do for your county, but what you can do for your county…?
If elected I will be a fine Councillor for the people of Greystones. I have a passion and love for community and I will work honestly and hard for everyone. The people of the Greystones Municipal District will be proud they voted Number 1 to help elect me as their representative on the Council.

If being a politician doesn’t work out, have you got a Career B in mind? Dancer? Magician? Traffic warden…?
I think I will be a TRAIN PUSHER!!

Trump or Biden?
Neither.

You can find out more about Louise Fenelon Gaskin here, follow on Instagram here and Facebook here, and get in touch on email directly here.