ⓒ Irish Times
Carol Nolan, 46, stands as the sole incumbent candidate in the three-seat Offaly constituency in the upcoming general election. A former teacher and school principal from Cadamstown, County Offaly, Nolan’s political journey has been anything but conventional.
Initially elected as a Sinn Féin county councillor in 2014, she secured a Dáil seat in 2016 under the same party banner. However, her tenure with Sinn Féin was short-lived. In 2018, Nolan’s vote against the repeal of the Eighth Amendment led to her suspension and subsequent resignation from the party.
Since then, Nolan has carved a path as an Independent candidate, focusing her campaign on crucial rural issues. The closure of Garda stations and post offices are central to her platform, reflecting the concerns of her constituents. She has also voiced strong opposition to the EU Pact on international protection, asylum, and migration, denouncing it as ‘morally and politically bankrupt’.
Nolan’s independent stance and her commitment to addressing rural concerns are key elements of her campaign strategy as she seeks re-election in Offaly.
