Pure motives but no mandate: how lobbyists monopolise health debate

ELLEN COGAVIN was a Fine Gael candidate in the Dunshaughlin area for Meath County Council in last June’s local elections. She is a senior nurse in a nearby hospital and health was probably one of the issues she campaigned on.

She polled 916 votes, just under half a quota in that electoral area.

She wasn’t elected but it was a good run. Contesting an election, even unsuccessfully is always to be admired. It is to be respected that somebody would put themselves in front of their peers seeking to make a contribution to public life.