Thoiba Ahmed is a candidate in the upcoming local election for the Letterkenny Municipal District.
Thoiba lives in Letterkenny with her husband, Dr. Gafaar Eltahir who works in LUH, and their two children, Mohammed is 18 years old and Eyad is 14.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Sudan, Diploma in IT, and has worked as a sociologist and a journalist in Sudan as well as a community worker in Donegal. She has also been accepted at ATU for a Masters in Cyber Psychology in September.
Thoiba’s vision for Letterkenny is an inclusive one “inclusion leaves no one behind, I will represent the vulnerable people of Donegal who feel their voices have not been heard, including people with disabilities, the disadvantaged communities in rural areas and minority group to advocate for them in the decision making processes, support and empower them.
Traffic
The traffic in and out of Letterkenny only appears to get worse. We are a Gateway town to the North-West of Ireland however efficient access into and through the town is a headache for locals and visitors. I propose a park and ride facility and peak hours, providing a quality bus service with high-speed Wi-Fi into Letterkenny from Manor, Ballymacool and the Mountain top providing access to key areas such as ATU, retail areas and major employers.
I also propose an extension of the civic dollars scheme to include those using alternative transport to school availing of the park and ride scheme, taking the Letterkenny Town Bus to work or college, walking and cycling.
Healthcare
The government are starving our hospital in Letterkenny of services and pushing the people in Donegal towards private healthcare. We need to fight together to retain and increase the services for all the people in Donegal.
Anyone who has been to Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH)is aware of the waiting times experienced by those in A and E and how hard the staff work in difficult conditions. I propose an Injury Unit to be established at LUH to bridge the gap between Now Doc, A, and E. The injury unit will deal with patients with non-life-threatening injuries such as sprains, cuts, and minor broken bones, leaving the A and E staff to treat life threatening injuries efficiently.
Housing
Housing is a human right not a favour, everyone should feel safe in their homes, including those impacted by defective blocks and support 100% Redress for all victims impacted. I will support policies for 100% Redress, building social housing, accessible and sustainable housing that benefit those living in our community.
Disability
I want to increase accessibility to Letterkenny for people with disabilities. Areas such as closing the disability employment gap, access to appropriate housing and transport and fair access to services. I would like to introduce ‘Signs and Fines’ for drivers who use footpaths to park their cars, blocking the paths access for wheelchair users and those with prams to safely travel around the town.
‘Pay to Play’
Children and young people in the town have opportunities to join groups and clubs in the town but it comes at a cost. There are very few free options available for parents who often must ‘Pay to Play’ for activities and recreation. I would like to see an increase in spaces and events that are free for families to attend and enjoy.
Thoiba said: “We need to take action to make a positive change for Donegal and for Ireland as a whole. I am Sudanese, and I am Irish, and I am a proud Donegal woman. I always introduce myself as a peacebuilder between communities – everything starts with peace. The main thing will be that the whole community can prosper going forward, and this will be my mission.
‘How to Vote in Ireland’ workshop
Thoiba Ahmed
Thoiba said she wanted to make sure new voters have the correct information for voting in next week’s elections.
This Wednesday, 5th June from 1pm-3pm at Dillons Hotel, Main Street Letterkenny, she will host a ‘How to Vote’ workshop.
Thoiba said: “It has come to my attention on the doorsteps that some people, especially first-time voters, have an incorrect understanding of how to vote in the upcoming local elections.
“This is for people to find out how the Proportional Representation – Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV) system works. Find out how to vote, how votes are counted and how your vote may be transferred.
“First, every voter should know that your vote is your own business, and that you are entitled to vote for whomever you want to vote for.
“That is why candidates campaign and canvass – to convince voters that we deserve their vote. However, your choice is your own.
“Second, though it is too late now, I was also sorry to hear from people who were under the impression that they were automatically registered to vote. This is not correct.
“You must make sure yourself that you are on the register, and if you are not on the register you must register. You can register online or by filling out an application form.
“Unfortunately, the deadline for registering to vote in this year’s elections has passed, but that will be important information for the next time. Always make sure you are on the register.
“Our elections are a time for the people to have their say on who will make decisions on their behalf that will affect their lives and the lives of their families. I hope everyone who is on the register will be at the polls next Friday, June 7th,” she said.
