Aontú has met with FF and FG in Relation to Government Formation

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD along with Cavan/Monaghan Cllr Sarah O’Reilly met with FF and FG Negotiators for almost 2 hours last night to discuss potential Government Formation.

An Teachta Tóibín stated: “The magnitude of the crisis is such that it would be absolutely wrong for any party with a mandate to walk away from at least trying to fix it. Aontú has received over 50,000 votes and we have a responsibility to see can real change be achieved. The meeting was positive there were many areas of agreement. There are though a number of areas of significant disagreement”.

“The proposed funding of the cost of Covid-19 crisis and future promises on housing and healthcare must be clearly understood before a government can be formed. There is no doubt from our perspective that given the damage of the debt burden for the last 10 years, Ireland must get some support from the EU and ECB in terms of direct government financing or debt write down. Also Tax Justice in terms of Apple Tax and tax exiles avoiding tax must be dealt with. A mushrooming of debt and financing the investment necessary for Health, Housing and Transport are not mutually compatible”.

“Dysfunctional markets such as Beef, Insurance and Housing cannot still be allowed to continue unreformed. Real regional balance, a new international city, an increased transport capacity which costs less to the consumer, a Cabinet Minister for Small to Medium sized business for the duration of this crisis are key for us. The provision of speaking rights for northern MPs in the Dáil, a New Ireland Forum representative of all civic and political views across the 32 counties to discuss the development of Irish Unity and voting rights for Irish Citizens in the north in presidential elections are opportunities that Aontú must to pursue. We want more supports for mothers across the country so that they have the economic confidence to be able to raise their children and that the most vulnerable are protected”.

“The Aontú Ard Chomhairle will now meet and decide on our next steps. We won’t continue with the process unless we believe that real change is on offer. We will make our decision quickly. Ireland does not need another political party going through the motions for ever. 90 days after the election we need all parties to make decisions quickly."

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.