RISING STAR | KATHRYN REILLY (CAVAN/MONAGHAN)

If you’re young, go for it

KATHRYN REILLY was one of the new faces in Election 2011 and one of the youngest (at 22) but she also attracted attention because she was one of the most articulate of the newcomers and promises much as a young woman and future TD.
SORCHA BERRY spoke to Kathryn in a short break on the canvass trail.

What inspired you to get into republican politics?
I come from a republican family and my father in particular is heavily involved in Sinn Féin. But seeing successive government coalitions of the Right and the rich bring about a decline in public services and an increase in poverty, crime and corruption made me see that Sinn Féin’s alternative message of hope, fairness and equality was best for Ireland’s future.

If you achieve one thing in your life, what would it be?
Obviously, a united Ireland is the most important republican goal. I’m only 22 now and I hope that in my lifetime this is something we can achieve. It would be amazing if I got to witness it.

If you weren’t in politics, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t in politics, I would probably go on to get into teaching. But for me all paths seem to have brought me down the political route, so here I am!
Teaching and education is something I am very interested in and feel very strongly about the importance of them.

What advice do you have for young people wanting to enter into politics?
Don’t be intimidated! Politics in Ireland is largely an older generation thing but in Sinn Féin, unlike the other parties, we don’t have cliques and young people are encouraged to get involved. So, I say ‘If you’re interested in it, go for it.’ One thing that I’ve noticed on the doors is that people are calling out for young, fresh politicians to go into the current system.

What advice would you have for women wanting to enter into politics?
If women don’t come forward, the status quo  will never change. There are many barriers facing women who want to enter into politics such as childcare support, Dáil hours and even if you’re a young woman you have to be aware of when or if you want to have children and take that into consideration. It was certainly something I had to think about before I ran as a candidate.

How do you feel about the role of the media in female political participation?
The media can also be a barrier to women’s participation in politics.
For example, I saw in The Irish Daily Star today an article about ‘the best-looking female general election candidates’. I think this undermines the professional capabilities of women. The media are very harsh toward women in general.

What are your favourite books?
Jane Eyre, Harry Potter and Tuesdays with Maury. I love Mitch Albom - his books always make me cry.

And your favourite films?
This is going to sound silly but The Little Mermaid is my all-time favourite and, most recently, Inception.

What did you want to be when you were younger?
Coincidentally enough, I was talking to an old teacher of mine and she said that when I was younger I told her that one day I wanted to be Minister for Education!!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Hopefully, fighting to retain my Dáil seat with a strong team of Sinn Féin TDs.