New Ross Councillor Raises Concerns Over Vape Shops, Irish Neutrality & New Advertising Rules

Independent Ireland councillor Michael Sheehan has called for urgent Government action on vape shop regulations, warned against changes to Ireland's Triple Lock mechanism and raised concerns about new political advertising rules affecting community organisations.

Speaking on South East Radio's Morning Mix, the New Ross councillor said local authorities need greater powers to regulate the growing number of vape shops opening in town centres.

He claims councils currently have limited control over the conversion of existing retail premises into vape shops and wants new planning regulations requiring operators to apply for specific permission.

Councillor Sheehan said the issue has been raised at four consecutive council meetings, with concerns about the number of outlets, late-night opening hours and the products being sold.

"We need those regulations urgently. Because once those regulations come in, we can act upon them. At the moment, we cannot," he said.

Triple Lock and Irish Neutrality

Turning to Ireland's Triple Lock mechanism, Councillor Sheehan reiterated Independent Ireland's opposition to proposals to remove the requirement for UN approval for certain overseas Defence Forces deployments.

He said the party had launched an online petition calling for a public vote on the issue, claiming approximately 37,000 people had signed it.

The Government argues that reform is necessary to prevent permanent members of the UN Security Council from effectively blocking Irish participation in international missions.

However, Councillor Sheehan believes the changes could fundamentally alter Ireland's traditional approach to peacekeeping and should be decided by the public.

"We want the people to have a say. And if the people say we're okay with getting rid of the UN component, then you have to accept the will of the people," he said.

Political Advertising and Community Fundraising

Councillor Sheehan also criticised new EU political advertising transparency rules, warning they could discourage public representatives from financially supporting local sports clubs, schools and voluntary organisations.

The regulations introduce disclosure and record-keeping requirements for advertisements classified as political advertising, including details about sponsors and funding.

He fears the additional administration could deter politicians from purchasing advertisements in parish newsletters, club programmes and fundraising publications.

"A lot of community groups might say, no, it's not worth it, we'll try something else. And I think it will damage the very people who are serving the people of New Ross and the communities of Wexford," he said.

Independent Ireland is calling for exemptions to protect smaller community organisations, although not all local sponsorships automatically fall under the political advertising rules.

Independent Ireland's Political Support

Finally, Councillor Sheehan welcomed recent opinion polling indicating increased support for Independent Ireland.

He said voters were looking for politicians who listened to their concerns and criticised the Government's handling of the recent Budget.

"The people are looking for common sense politics. They're looking for people who will go out and listen to them. They're looking for people who will talk to them, not talking at them," he said.