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Daniel Butler - Limerick
2024 Limerick Mayoral Election - Mayor Candidate - June, 7, 2024
Who is Daniel Butler?
Daniel Butler is married to Tania, and they are parents to two children, Layla and Jacob. He has deep roots in Limerick, Ireland, where he resides and serves his community.
Political Career:
Daniel Butler has been an active member of the Limerick City and County Council since May 2014, representing the Limerick City West constituency. His political journey includes serving as the Mayor of Limerick from June 2021 to July 2022, a role in which he succeeded Michael Collins and was followed by Francis Foley.
Prior to this, he held the position of Limerick Metropolitan District Mayor from June 2018 until the office was abolished in June 2019.
Community Involvement and Focus Areas:
Throughout his tenure, Butler has demonstrated a strong commitment to various community causes. He has chaired the Board of Management at Mungret Community College and served on the Boards of the University of Limerick and St.
John’s Hospital. Additionally, he has led the My Mind Limerick steering committee, reflecting his dedication to mental health and community well-being.
Political Philosophy and Goals:
Butler is focused on several key areas critical to his constituency, Local Business Support: Advocating for small businesses and their significant contributions to the city.
Public Services:
Enhancing accessible education, housing solutions, and the provision of public parks and transport systems.
Community Safety and Environment:
Prioritizing community safety and environmental protection to improve the overall health and quality of life for residents. Daniel Butler continues to be an accessible and proactive figure in his community, actively working alongside residents to achieve tangible improvements and foster a vibrant, supportive community in Limerick.
What are Daniel Butler's Political Values?
Fine Gael, a prominent political force in Ireland, has evolved considerably since its inception in 1933. This summary will focus on the party's political ideologies, historical developments, and key policies under the leadership of Simon Harris, who became Taoiseach in April 2024.
Fine Gael was formed by the merger of three distinct groups:
Cumann na nGaedhael, the National Centre Party, and the National Guard (Blueshirts). This union brought together a mix of conservative and militant ideologies, which initially reflected in the party's policies and direction.
Over the decades, Fine Gael transitioned from its early right-wing stances, influenced by elements of European fascism, to a more centrist conservative position. Under leaders like W.T.
Cosgrave and later Liam Cosgrave, the party maintained a traditional conservative profile. The 1960s and subsequent decades saw Fine Gael's gradual shift towards social democracy, spearheaded by figures like Garret FitzGerald, who influenced liberal reforms in the party.
Modern Political Stance and Leadership:
As of April 2024, under Taoiseach Simon Harris, Fine Gael presents itself as a liberal-conservative party that blends its historical conservative roots with modern liberal policies. The party emphasizes fiscal responsibility, pro-European integration, and supports progressive social policies, including LGBT rights and reproductive freedoms.
Economic Policies:
Fine Gael advocates for fiscal rectitude and minimal government interference in the economy, emphasizing free enterprise and entrepreneurship. The party's economic strategy includes stimulating job creation and infrastructure development through prudent fiscal policies and partnerships.
Social Policies:
The party has a significant record on social issues, having evolved from a historically conservative stance to advocating for progressive reforms. Fine Gael has supported and implemented policies enhancing LGBT rights, including marriage equality, and has shifted its position on abortion, reflecting a broader liberalization in its approach to social issues.
European and Defence Policies:
Fine Gael is staunchly pro-European, advocating for deeper integration within the EU and supporting Ireland's involvement in European defence initiatives. The party's pro-Europeanism reflects in its support for EU treaties and participation in European defence mechanisms, aligning with broader continental trends towards integration.
Under Simon Harris's leadership, Fine Gael continues to balance its conservative heritage with liberal policies, adapting to the changing political landscape of Ireland and Europe. The party's commitment to fiscal conservatism, combined with progressive stances on social issues, positions it as a central figure in contemporary Irish politics, capable of influencing both national and European policies.
