Abby Quirk has declared her intention to stand for election in Arbory, Castletown and Malew in this year’s General Election.
The local café owner and community campaigner says her decision is driven by “lived experience” across mental health, criminal justice and small‑business pressures.
She said she has spent recent years advocating for families navigating severe youth mental health crises, ahead of a meeting with CAMHS on Monday to raise concerns about support for children experiencing suicidal thoughts. Around 20 families have shared their experiences with her.
She also referenced her family’s experience of the criminal justice system, saying the parole process showed how important it is for victims to understand their rights and keep pressing for clarity.
As a small business owner, she highlighted the strain of becoming VAT‑registered at the £85,000 threshold, arguing it has not kept pace with inflation and leaves many independents under pressure.
She said she is standing not because she has “all the answers”, but because people deserve representatives who understand the realities facing families and businesses.
