Political Platform: Thomas Gould TD
A GAA coach and passionate orator, Sinn Féin’s Thomas Gould TD tells eolas Magazine about his pride in being the first TD to enter Leinster House from Knocknaheeny, Cork city, and says that the key to a good politician’s legacy is “countless small achievements”.
What inspired you to get into politics?
I was inspired by my parents. They were community activists. My mother was sick all of her life and died at 50. She was only a young woman. We saw firsthand the health service and how it was failing people. This was not because of the brilliant staff. The core problem with the health service was, and still is, political.
I also saw the same political failures in Knocknaheeny and Churchfield, where I grew up, and across the northside of Cork City. There was nothing there for young people or for anyone really. We were ignored by politicians, and I was motivated to get into politics because I was determined to give people a voice and fight for our communities.
“I believe that a good politician’s legacy is countless small achievements.”
Thomas Gould TD
What has been your proudest achievement in politics?
Being elected as the first TD from Knocknaheeny was an extremely proud day for me, my family and our community.
I believe that a good politician’s legacy is countless small achievements – it is the people I help every day, the people who felt that no one was on their side until they came to me.
These are the people I have helped access housing, prevent falling into homelessness, and access school places for children with additional needs. It is achievements like this, that can change one life; that sticks with me.
Who do you admire in politics or public life?
I admire Mary Lou McDonald who is a strong leader. She is a constant reminder that we can have better. She believes in the power of, and importance of, communities and people.
The bond that Mary Lou has with people when she meets with them and the depth of her compassion and empathy has to be be seen to be understood.
Why did you choose to join Sinn Féin?
In school, I always loved history, especially Irish history. I always believed in a 32-county united Ireland. At home, there was always a tradition of republicanism in the family.
The 1980 and 1981 hunger strikes – with the death of Bobby Sands and the other nine hunger strikers – were a political awakening for me. Sinn Féin was the only party to have a vision for Ireland and my community.
What are your key priorities for your constituency?
Housing remains my top priority – both the delivery of social and affordable homes and proper housing maintenance. At the same time, we have huge challenges with dirty water, buses, and the delivery of services for children with disabilities must be a priority.
All these challenges, alongside infrastructure and funding, are what is needed to end the neglect of the northside.
What are your interests outside of work?
I am a proud member of St Vincent’s GAA Club. I previously served as chairperson and believe strongly in the GAA and particularly in camogie and hurling, which are the greatest sports in the world.
I manage and coach teams at all levels in the club. I really enjoy spending time with my father, my wife and two daughters – I am very lucky that they are also involved in the club from a playing and coaching perspective.
