“I’m a true Drogheda Doll to the core!” she says.
Drogheda journalist Alison Comyn has been added to the Fianna Fáil ticket in Louth for the next General Election running alongside Dundalk based Senator Erin McGreehan.
The 54-year-old mother of two has been a journalist with the Drogheda Independent and Dundalk Argus since 2006, and says she is looking forward to getting stuck into unlocking the true potential of Ireland’s largest town.
“I was born, raised and educated in Drogheda, and as a local journalist for almost 20 years, I know the issues that affect our daily lives, and I’m deeply connected to the heartbeat of our town and region,” she said.
“I know the stories, struggles, and successes that have shaped our community because I live in the region and experience them myself, meaning I’m not just a candidate, but a neighbour who is invested in the future of our region” Alison said. “I’m a true Drogheda Doll to the core!”
The former Sky News, BBC and UTV Ireland news anchor is a passionate ambassador and campaigner for her hometown and county, and says she has gone as far as she can to affect change from a reporting point of view, and becoming a TD for Louth is the next natural step.
“The Drogheda area has faced serious challenges in recent years – and we’re not out of the woods yet – but I honestly believe it can be a thriving, vibrant community where everyone can flourish.
“As a journalist, I know if it bleeds, it leads, and it’s the big issues that grab headlines – the negative stuff – and there is work to be done on job creation, combating dereliction, and attracting investment.
“But tackling our day-to-day issues is what I believe makes the most impact in our community; reducing GP waiting times or making sure all members of our society, especially the young, elderly or vulnerable, are aware of the benefits, grants or housing assistance that might make their lives a little easier.
“I want to see our town centres become safer and more attractive places to spend time and money.”
A former pupil of the Sacred Heart in Drogheda, Alison has had a varied career in media, beginning with BBC NI in 1996 and spanning three decades where she has worked with RTE, the BBC, Channel 4, UTV Ireland, Sky News and the Drogheda Independent, from 2006 to 2014, and 2018 to the present day.
“Being a lifelong resident means that people know me – not just my face off the telly or my name in the paper – but know my family, and my values. They sing with me, dance with me, walk with me, swim with me, and they trust me with their stories,” she added. “I take great pride in our town’s heritage and its future. I believe in our community’s potential, and I’m passionate about making it a place where everyone can succeed.
“I would like to thank Fianna Fáil for this opportunity to contest the next election, and I look forward to bringing a positive new dawn for Drogheda and Co Louth.”
An Tánaiste and Uachtarán Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin said: “Alison is an excellent addition to our Fianna Fáil ticket in Louth. She is a very accomplished candidate, who will bring a wealth of experience to the campaign.
“In Erin and Alison we have a strong Fianna Fáil team in Louth that will work together in running a positive and energetic campaign in their communities.”
