GE24, the Candidates: Patricia Ryan, Independent
Independent Dáil candidate Patricia Ryan is very personally aware of one of the key issues in this election, housing — one of her sons is still living with her in his 30s because he can’t get an affordable mortgage even though he is in full time work, writes Brian Byrne. That and the other major concerns she hears on the doorsteps as she canvasses are all very familiar, and in many ways relate to community matters with which she has been involved over decades.
Originally from Ballybrittas, Ryan is a 22 years resident of Monasterevin where she used to work in the Tyna Knitwear factory when it was a keystone of manufacturing in the Kildare South town. “It’s all commuter now,” she says. “We need industry and the infrastructure for it. If I’m re-elected, I hope to work with local business people and others to try and make that happen.”
Through her years in Monasterevin, Ryan was strongly active in the community. In Tyna she became the union shop steward to represent her work colleagues. She was also involved in the civil defence, musical society, the local daycare committee, and more recently the community first responders. At home she became a carer for her elderly father, with whom she shared a deep interest in political matters including the family's Republican background. “I remember we used to watch the political and current affairs programmes on RTE — Today Tonight and all those programmes with Brian Farrell.” When her father passed away, Ryan went back to adult education for a time.
In 2016 she ran in the General Election for Sinn Fein but didn’t make the cut despite getting a healthy 11.6pc of first preferences. In 2019 she won a seat in Kildare County Council, but ran again in the 2020 General Election where she topped the poll, and was the first candidate elected when she reached the quota on the 6th count. She admits to having been surprised at the level of her support, but says that she had gone into the contest to win, “so that I could work in a better structure for the people. Even while in Kildare County Council I always felt I had more to offer.”
Her time in the Council was short, but it was a period she enjoyed. Even though Sinn Fein had lost four seats in that election, which left her on her own. “I found everyone very approachable, though it was hard to get any motions across the floor because I was the only Sinn Fein councillor. Maybe if I had been an Independent it would have been easier.” But she says her time there was well spent because when she entered the Dáil she’d had some experience of procedures that served her well in Leinster House.
The new workplace was, she recalls, ‘a bit daunting at first’. “It probably took me about three months to get my feet comfortably under the table, and I felt that if I'd not had the council experience it would have been much harder. But when you get to the Dáil you also get a PA and a secretarial assistant, so you have a staff there who are the backbone of what you do, and that’s a great help. And to be fair, the system in Leinster House is excellent, as are all the staff. And the Ceann Comhairle, Sean Ó Fearghaill, also from Kildare South, is always fair.” She also has the attitude that every day is an education. “No matter how many days you learn things, there is always something else to be learned.”
In her five years in the Dáil, she learned that while she was working with people who had different political agendas, and things might get 'emotional' in the chamber, all that has to be left there when you come out. "It's a vital part of politics, while you might disagree with people, it's good to meet them outside the chamber and have a friendly conversation. You've got to respect everybody." Her working week was Tuesday through Thursday in Dublin, and Monday and Friday back in her constituency. "While in Dublin, you do feel that you're in a bit of a bubble, and missing out on local things. It means that the staff in the constituency office have to be as on the ball as yourself. But if you work it right, you can keep your feet on the ground, absolutely."
Some weeks ago she left the Sinn Fein party and is fighting this election as an Independent. The fact that she doesn't have a big party machine behind her this time hasn't made any difference to the issues at the door, she says. "The problems are the same regardless of what party you're from — housing, health, cost of living. I was also a spokesperson for older people and involved with advocacy groups around that. To be fair, a lot of people have acknowledged the work I have done and they are being very nice to me. They're very honest if they're not going to vote for me, and I have no problem with that. I have no idea how it's all going to work out, but I am feeling positive.”
On the social media commentary which has become a particular issue for politicians, especially for women in the arena, she says simply that you have to become very thick-skinned. "People who come on social media like this have an agenda of disrespecting you regardless. You just have to rise above it."
Ryan is very clear that she has been enjoying politics and still is, and that she has every wish to stay in the space. "My only regret is that I didn't start in politics sooner. Not every day is a fun day and there are good and bad days, especially if you meet somebody who has to sleep on the street in the weather we're having. But I just want to continue the work. I hope to get elected again, but if I don't I'm not going to give up on activism. I'll always be doing something for the good of the community."
It's not all about politics. Ryan recalls once, while helping with the local Vincent de Paul shop, a man came in with 'his toes sticking out of his shoes'. "We looked around the shop and found a pair for him and sent him on his way. Six months later he came back with a box of biscuits to thank us. That was gold. That's what it is for me, when you can make a difference in the smallest or the biggest way."
EDITOR NOTE: All the Kildare South candidates have been invited to interview by the Diary, and in the run-up to polling day we will profile those who accept.
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