Politicians of all ages are hoping to top the ballot in the upcoming local elections.
One of those is 89-year-old Margaretta D'Arcy, who is an actress, playwright and anti-war activist.
Ms D'Arcy, who was born in London to Irish parents, is running as an Independent for election to Galway City Council.
She told reporter Josh Crosbie for The Hard Shoulder why she decided to run.
"Now I'm in my 90th year and I began to think about it," she said.
"As a woman I'm always inclined to say 'No' - now what's wrong with me suddenly deciding to say 'Yes'?
"Yes like Molly Bloom because I can then put my message across".
Margaretta D'Arcy arrives at Ennis District Court in a case relating to an alleged breach of security at Shannon Airport, 10-3-15. Image: PA Images / AlamyMs D'Arcy while she can't physically do much canvassing, she's doing the best she can.
"I have not been knocking on doors; that's one thing I can't do unfortunately," she said.
"But sitting there and giving out my little fliers, the reaction has been incredible.
"It's young and old they seem to be totally delighted that a decrepit old lady in her wheelchair is actually standing".
'It feels bloody good'
Ms D'Arcy said winning isn't everything.
"We mustn't be ageist," she said.
"It doesn't matter whether I get in or don't get in - it's actually the experience of being on the street and giving out my message."
Ms D'Arcy said being the oldest candidate running for election has one major benefit.
"It feels bloody good because I can speak my mind," she said.
'A young voice'
One of the youngest candidates is 19-year-old Joey Kennedy who is running for Fianna Fáil on Laois County Council.
"I feel that there's too many grey hairs in politics," he said.
"We need a young voice in every county, not just Laois.
"I'm not just for the young people, I want to be for everyone in the town."
'Always a challenge'
Mr Kennedy said he wants to make his locality better.
"During my Leaving Cert I took over my father's business here in Portarlington," he said.
"I wasn't going up to Dublin or anything, I was staying in Co Laois.
"I just want to see what way I could help the town better".
Mr Kennedy said he knows he's facing an uphill battle.
"There's always a challenge against the well-established politicians; but people have to realise that they're not going to be here forever," he said.
"We need to start breaking the mould and letting young people have a say on what's going on in our county and in our country," he added.
Voters go to the polls in the local and European elections on Friday June 7th.
Listen back here:
