Editing Brendan Howlin (section)

=== Anti-nuclear movement (1978–1982) ===
Howlin credits his introduction to politics to his involvement in the Irish anti-nuclear movement. The chair of Nuclear Opposition Wexford, Howlin was involved in the organisation of a protest against the building of a nuclear power plant in [[Carnsore Point]], which drew 40,000 protestors. In 1979, Howlin was asked to run for Wexford Corporation and was selected in his absence, but declined to run to continue as chair of NOW.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=McBride |first=Charlie |date=20 September 2018 |title='I am an optimist by nature' |url=https://www.advertiser.ie/Galway/article/103067/i-am-an-optimist-by-nature |access-date=15 August 2023 |website=Galway Advertiser}}</ref>