Ukrainian woman who rescued mother and grandmother after Russian invasion to run for Fine Gael in local elections

Ukraine native Luba Healy made international headlines when she dashed across Europe to bring her late nan Galina and 72-year-old mother Nina back to the safety of her home in Trim.

Since then, the mother of three has made a number of mercy dashes to Ukraine in convoys with humanitarian aid.

Sadly, Galina died recently at the age of 101, and Luba drove her remains back to her hometown to be buried with her granddad.

"When I brought her to Ireland, I promised her I would bring her back home – now she is happy beside her beloved husband," Luba said.

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A qualified vet in Ukraine, the businesswoman now works with her husband Eugene in the envelope manufacturing business.

Luba was recently ratified by Fine Gael as a candidate in the local elections in June.

Since arriving in Ireland 24 years ago, Luba said she taken a number of jobs in the hospitality industry, including cleaning and bar work, in an effort to improve her English and advance her career.

In recent months, the Department of Housing and Local Government confirmed that thousands of Ukrainian nationals who are in Ireland under the temporary protection scheme will be entitled to vote in the forthcoming local elections in June.

Luba is one of the first Ukrainian natives to be ratified as a candidate in the elections, but it is widely expected that more Ukrainians will be added to election tickets nationwide.

Describing herself as a “little girl with big dreams”, Luba said she wanted to run for election to give back to a community and country that had supported her so much in the last two decades.

"I came here 24 years ago as a little girl with big dreams, but Ireland made me who I am now," she said.

"I was meant to only stay a while and move to England, but I fell in love with the country and the people and didn't want to leave, so I worked hard in every job I could get, to learn better English and better myself.

"It's the people who have nothing that will give their last fiver to help someone else and I'd love now to help them.

"Even growing up, I stood up for those who were bullied or put down or marginalised and I hate to see injustice. If I get elected, I will bring these same ethics into the council chamber,” Luba said.

“Trim is a beautiful town and area. However, there are some basic needs that people deserve to have – these will be top of my agenda.

"When the war in Ukraine started, people were so good, they went over and beyond to help in any way they could. This is hopefully my chance to say thank you to the Irish people for giving me this life, in this wonderful country.

"I want to give back by helping those who need it most to have a voice. My big dreams can be everyone’s."