Senedd21: Monica French | Liberal Democrats | Carmarthen East and Dinefwr

MONICA FRENCH
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CANDIDATE – CARMARTHEN EAST AND DINEFWR

1. Tell us about yourself:

Hi I’m Monica. I am married with children. I lived and worked abroad for several years before moving to Carmarthenshire some 30 years ago. Community involvement is what drives me.

I have been Chair of a school governing body and Chair of Carmarthenshire NHS Trust as well as helping to save the local Dryslwyn Post Office and shop. I have set up and run a hospitality business and chaired fitness to practice panels for the Nursing and MIdwifery Council and am currently a member of the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Swansea. 

In my spare time I enjoy walking in our beautiful countryside , tending my garden and , when time permits, reading and trying to improve my Welsh.

2. What is the most important thing you think the Senedd should do in the next five years?

The most important thing the Senedd should do is to put recovery first, and that is what I will do if elected. Over half a million people in Wales are waiting for operations and the Welsh NHS needs the resources to tackle this issue which impacts detrimentally on so many people’s lives.

Wales also needs to fight the climate emergency with a package of investment for a green agenda in order to protect our planet, and  at the same time  stimulate the economy. Support businesses both rural and urban to recover and give investment to our high streets to allow them to thrive. In tandem with this investment, Wales needs a fairer business rate system, as the current system is not fit for purpose.

3. What will you do for your constituency/region if elected?

I will fight for improved Broadband in our rural areas. Wales seriously lags behind the other nations of the UK. Broadband is an essential service in the 21st century, whether for work, entertainment or day to day living.

In Wales a recent survey found that 40% of the population often have problems with their internet and as many as 1 in 6 experience difficulty with every day tasks such as banking. I would also press the Senedd to financially support the Towy Valley cycle path.