Thirty-two-year-old Labor candidate Ciaran O’Brien has had a long initiation to politics as he grew up in a Labor family.

His grandfather instilled in him that the best approach to governing was to look after the little guy, an approach he is taking to his first election campaign.

“My point of difference is I’ll listen to anyone about anything and I’ll fight for their issues,” Mr O’Brien said.

“A political representative should be a voice for the people on all issues, not just big-ticket, election winning ones.”

Mr O’Brien is currently studying medicine at university and said he didn’t believe in the concept of the career politician.

“I’ve consulted with people who say it’s possible to manage both university and politics, I’ll just need an incredible support team to achieve it,” he said.

“I think it will be a benefit to my political career to be at the forefront of medical science.”

Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest focus points for Mr O’Brien is improvements to health facilities in the electorate, including an upgrade to Bowral Hospital.

“I’ve personally heard eight years of promises from incumbent MPs in the area, traditionally in the months before an election, and I don’t have a lot of hope for it this time,” he said.

“My son was born at Bowral Hospital in aging facilities with a nurse ratio that was quite low.

“The staff are doing it tough, but doing an amazing job despite that.”

 Along with increased health funding, Mr O’Brien said increasing the level of education residents could access locally would lead to higher skill levels and an ability to provide better services and support local business.

“It’s all linked and Moss Vale TAFE and the university campus offer very little in the way of subjects,” he said.

“They’re struggling to get tutors to attend, which isn’t ideal for students because they can’t interact and learn face-to-face.”

Mr O’Brien will host a campaign event at Bradman Oval on March 7, which will be a light-hearted evening of entertainment with a three-course meal.

This will be followed by an annual Labor cricket match played on Bradman Oval on March 8.

Details: facebook.com/CiaranOBrienLabor, Ciaran.O’Brien@nswlabor.org.au, 0447 258 047.