Meet the Louth General Election candidates: Albert Byrne - Independent
Fundamental change in the work culture of Gardaí
Among the General Election candidates fighting for one of the five seats up grabs in Louth is Ardee-based Independent Albert Byrne.
Byrne says that he brings with him a wealth of experience from across many sectors such as education, healthcare, business, software development and chemical dependence treatment.
Byrne is currently a nutritional therapist and naturopath, proprietor of Ardee Therapies and a consultant software developer.
One of the focal points of the Independent candidate's campaign is the reformation of an Garda Síochána.
Byrne states: "I am asking for your Number One vote to bring about fundamental change in the work culture of an Garda Síochána."
He continues: "The time has come to put an end to harassment and intimidation by organised crime working with criminal elements in an Garda Síochána, protected by a culture of silence that punishes those who speak out. Neither the government nor GSOC are willing to tackle this problem."
Byrne argues that this fundamental transformation of an Garda Síochána directly relates to the possibility of a United Ireland, saying it is "crucial in a peaceful path toward unification."
Speaking on this matter, Byrne says: "I believe the future is best served by a federal system of government that maintains the institutions of state, with an expanded Dáil to cater for members from Northern Ireland.
"Presently, the UK provide £10–15 billion in annual support to Northern Ireland. By agreeing to maintain the institutions of state, I believe this support should continue and form part of any unification agreement.
"Unification should be seamless, with zero net impact on the budget, to ensure peace and stability on the island of Ireland and to protect the most vulnerable who stand to be impacted by any budgetary constraints. Unification need not be traumatic."
According to Byrne: "By voting for me, you will send a strong message to Dáil Éireann that we will no longer accept the status quo within an Garda Síochána, nor will we accept constitutional arrangements foisted upon us that do not protect the best interests of every man, woman, and child who form the backbone of this state."
With voting taking place on Friday, 29 November, Albert Byrne is asking the people of Louth to "come out on polling day and make your vote count. Your future depends on it."