Will the labour party be introducing any policies in favour of means testing childrens allowance, because I really feel like some people don't actually need it, meanwhile the poorest of people on social welfare have been cut yet again, I also would like to know are they going to be taking a lower and more reasonable pension themselves...? I also meant to ask about a decent wage cut and not a small one or a reversible one like the last time the government implemented this

REPLY - I am no longer in the labour party. I asked mr gilmore to cap wages and exp of his reps 2 years ago as mark leadership.

question: What are your thoughts on Childrens Allowance Alwyn?

REPLY - All allowances should only be paid to those who need them,

melissa asks:

do you think that the government wages and pensions are currently too high, and if so what kind of percentage do you think would be fair to cut by?

REPLY - The average industrial wage and capped and vouched expenses

melissa asks:

yeah good thinking. Most people take 4 weeks holidays a year, no business closes for this purpose, by staggering staff holidays. Do you think maybe considering the state this country is in it might be an idea for the Dáil to do a similar thing, by sitting all year round and letting individuals take holidays spaced out throughout the year? Because I think it is a smashing idea

REPLY - Politicians say the work long hours, most of that time is travelling back to their constituencies for funerals, photo opps at your and mine expense

mellissa says - True I would nearly become one myself though I don't think I could hang round with them all the time ;)

Good luck in the current elections

Leon asks:

Hi Alwyn. How can you as an Independent candidate have an effective presence in Government?

REPLY _ i believe we need a group of like minded independents to drive reform of the political culture as political partys have shown no willingness to do that

REPLY - the next 10 years is about changeing a culture that serves a few

león asks; Thanks Alwyn. If you got elected what can you possibly do on your own though? If you had to choose, which party would you side with?

REPLY - none the are all part of the same culture, that why i have stood myself.

león asks:

Agreed but how can you hope to change anything if it's a FG/Labour Government?

REPLY - you need 7 td to get speaking rights in dail, we have a lot more than that. what we will do is highlight the present political culture. we will be the concience and moral compass of the next government

Mandie asks:

What is your policy about providing secular education. Also, how are you going to ensure that all faiths and none are welcomed as teachers ie creating a multi- denominational teacher training facility?

REPLY - every child should have a right to education in their own area.regardless of religious beliefs

mandie asks - So, what is your policy to ensure this?

Denis asks:

hi alwyn ,thank u for going on MYKIDSTIME,like to hear ur view on all them kids that are leaving IRELAND over that mess that our so called goverment have created, and your stand on what went on up in mayo with shell ?thanks ive got to put my little one to bed now please reply

REPLY _ My mantra for the last 3 weeks has been, my kids are not for export.

With regard to shell, it is our natural resources that will get us out of this mess, not like fg who seem determined to sell the family silver

denis says:

so we should sell out to shell ,and let them walk all over the people that have rights to fish and do there work ,lets walk all over the small man.things dont change in this country ,shame on u ,and u a irish man good nite and thank u

denis says:

ps have a look at that TNG progman about what happned and come back to me please with answers iam on face book

Debra asks:

Children can't vote, drink or drive until they're 17/18, but at the moment can legally leave school at 16 and take responsibility of their own health care (with regards to medical cards etc.) what is your opinion on this? Should the legal age for leaving school be increased?

REPLY - if our education system served all, those with ability, disability, the underprivilidged, kids would not want to leave school early

Debra says 

And where is this magical fairy tale land where that actually happens? I want to raise my kids there!! :D Now, in the real world, do you think it should be increased or not? ;)

REPLY _ i have kids , that is the future i want for them and no not under the present system, because it does not serve the needs of all

Leon- What about college fees? If they are introduced a lot of kids won't bother doing their leaving cert

REPLY - We have to believe, I am not bringing mine up for export because of the lack of will to change how we do things

Debra - Yes, we have to believe, but we also have to set realistic goals. How much change could you make to the current system in a government term?

REPLY - all children have to be allowed to reach their full potential regardless of wealth

Ideally, but that's not what I asked :)

REPLY - if we start now it can be done in 2 terms if the political will is there

Leon asks:

What do you propose should be done about keeping small businesses going & encouraging other start-ups?

REPLY - Sme should be given subvention grants to help pay wages which are repayable from profits.

leon - What about all the increases in rates etc.

REPLY - Lets hit those who caused the problem first,

leon - How do u propose to do that? How does that save the businesses closing down every week?

REPLY - If the cost of the banks is borne by developers and bondholders, then money is available to lend

Joe asks: What are your thoughts on abortion and gay marriage?

NO ANSWER :(

Paul asks: Is new vision basically just a new political party? And if so where do you position yourselves?

REPLY _we are a group of indos with a common goal of reform

Paul - Centre Left? Very Left?

Paul  - Eh?....... (Not trying to be smart) but is that not what a party is?

REPLY - center left and answer to paul, not like a party no whip

Aisling asks:

Ok what do you propose to do with out banking system? government bail out banks with tax payers money, banks make a loss then take from tax payers by increasing interest rates and the little people get hit again there should be some regulation over the banking system.

REPLY _ developers bankers bondholders and politicians should be heald accountable for their actions

aisling asks; Most definitely but that's not going to happen, yet we're still left paying for their mistakes and will be for a long time yet. I thing there should be some control over the banks PTSB made a loss so how do they re coupe by increasing their interest rate by 1% this should not be allowed.

REPLY - it happened in usa, if the political will is there it can happen here

Aisling - So how do we go about change? I'm one of those still sitting on the fence for Friday haven't made my mind up yet, not one politician has knocked on my door, I've a young family and I want the best for their future.

REPLY - change the culture , change the country. if elect those who are part of the culture we get more of the same

Aisling - Hmmm that really helps, still left sitting on the fence then.

REPLY - very difficult to articulate my view in a few lines, log on to lovereform.org and give me a call

Michelle asks: What about free year for pre-schoolers will you keep it?

REPLY - all education should be free, inc pre school

Suzanne - That didn't answer the question, there is no such thing as free education

REPLY - Absolutely, as someone who has worked as a volunteer in the childrens disability sector for many years, i know the value of education, that is why i believe it should be accessable to all

Leon - accessible does not mean free unfortunately

REPLY - IN my mind it does as it cannot just be the privilidge of the rich

Lisa - Michelle asked would it be kept, 

your response didnt answer the question, you just said all education should be free, does that mean it might be cut, ??????

thing that worries me , some school wont take children now if they havent been to pre school, but if the free year is cut, what about the people who cannot afford to send there children to pre school ?????

Noelle asks - Hi Alwyn, will you give up your day job if you are elected?

REPLY - Yes