All-Ireland action required for vehicle safety test delays in the north

All-Ireland action required for vehicle safety test delays in the north – Mullen

Aontú Councillor Denise Mullen has called for an all-Ireland approach to vehicle testing. In the midst of an on-going backlog for vehicle safety tests in the north, Cllr Mullen has called for tests to be integrated on a north-south basis.

Cllr Mullen stated:

“The current backlog for people waiting for MOT tests highlights the opportunity cost of not having a 32-county system for vehicle safety tests.

“Rather than people facing indefinite delays for MOT tests or being advised to go to Britain for a test, an all-Ireland vehicle testing system makes perfect sense and would ensure that in the future the prospect and impact of any backlog in the north is minimised.

“Particularly for people living just on either side of the border, an all-Ireland vehicle testing system would be of considerable benefit. It would make much more sense for people living in border counties to be able to avail of vehicle safety tests in corresponding counties rather than face an endless backlog in their own.

“As things stand, the current partitioned system serves no one’s interest. Instead it fuels delays and inefficiencies. Steps should be taken to ensure that vehicle safety tests in the north and south are harmonised. The Irish government should take measures to ensure that the NCT system is open to people living in the north.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.