Balfe is an early years teacher based in Ratoath. She is an active member of Siptu, who got involved in the Labour Party through their 'A New Deal' campaign. She is an active member of Ratoath Community Centre, Ratoath Rugby Club, and helps her local nursing home with visits from the preschool she works in.

Despite having one of the fastest growing populations in the country, Meath East has been completely overlooked, even with two ministers representing it in Dáil Éireann. I’m running to offer a fresh voice, to push for real change, and to provide people with an alternative to the current government.

The lack of public childcare. It has a profound ripple effect on other areas like housing, women’s equality, and the cost of living. When families are forced to spend a large portion of their income on childcare, banks often won’t consider them for a mortgage. They’re faced with difficult choices between covering childcare costs and affording essentials like food and heating. Time and again, we hear stories of women having to give up opportunities because affordable childcare isn’t available.

Meath East has one of the youngest generations in Ireland. I want to promise them and all young people in this country that we will introduce policies to build a better Ireland for you -one where you can afford to live and thrive. Your voices matter and are heard.