Zero Bucks Given #EP30 - Elaine Mullally Part 1

In Part 1 of this special two-part episode of The Zero Bucks Given Podcast, we sit down with Elaine Mullally for an in-depth conversation about her life, her background and the journey that eventually brought her into the world of Irish politics.Before becoming known for her political campaigning and outspoken views on the direction of Ireland, Elaine's story began in Portarlington, County Laois, where she grew up in St. Brigid's Square with her parents and five sisters. She has lived and worked in Laois throughout her life, building a career spanning business, community development and public service.In Part 1, we go right back to the beginning.Elaine talks about her early life in Portarlington, the experiences that shaped her, her education and career, and the path that led her to become a business owner and an active figure within her local community.We explore Elaine's extensive business background, including establishing Clown Around Play Centre in Portarlington in 2008, as well as her previous work supporting start-up businesses through the Laois County Enterprise Board and helping establish a third-level education centre in the county.The conversation then turns towards politics.Elaine explains how her experiences as a business owner, mother and community activist began to influence her view of the Irish political system and ultimately pushed her towards becoming politically active.In 2023, Elaine became a founder and the first chairperson of Independent Ireland, before later leaving the party and subsequently standing as an Independent candidate in County Laois in the 2024 General Election.But how does someone go from running a business and working within their local community to entering national politics?What happened along the way?And what convinced Elaine that simply watching Irish politics from the sidelines was no longer enough?Part 1 focuses on the person behind the political figure — her childhood, family influences, career, entrepreneurship, community involvement and the events that ultimately introduced her to political campaigning in Ireland.Part 2 continues Elaine's story as we move deeper into her experiences in politics, campaigning and her views on some of the biggest issues facing Ireland today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.