I’m Liam Quaide, the Social Democrats General Election candidate for Cork East and Councillor for Midleton on the Cork County Council.
I am a clinical psychologist who has worked for many years with Community Adult Mental Health teams, and more recently in hospital outpatient services. I was drawn to politics by the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises, and strongly believe that environmental action and social justice need to go hand in hand.
Since becoming a councillor, I have led a successful campaign in East Cork to restore community residential services for people with severe and enduring mental health difficulties. This has resulted in a multi-million Euro commitment by the HSE in East Cork, which will allow people with the highest level of need to live in their community.
I have campaigned for greater protection of trees and hedgerows, and higher quality public transport. I believe that disability services for young people and adults are in need of major investment and reform.
Prior to entering politics, my values and priorities were reinforced by voluntary work with Amnesty Ireland and the Samaritans.
Politics for me is about giving a voice and giving power to people in our society who feel left behind or disregarded. It is about protecting nature, and strengthening our communities and our economy.