Aontú is the only party that has Consistently and Fully Opposed the Dalradian Mine

Aontú reps Peadar Tóibín TD, Councillor Rosemarie Shields and Margaret Swift have visited, supported and campaigned in favour of the Anti-Mine Campaign in Greencastle, Tyrone.

During the visit to the mine site An Teachta Tóibín stated:

"It’s clear that thousands of people throughout Tyrone oppose this mine. Many oppose it due to the processing of chemicals, many oppose it due to the damage it may cause to health and tourism, many more because the profits and the royalties will leave the country. What is clear is that projects such as this must not go ahead if there is no community buy in, if there is no acceptance and if there is no benefits to the people.”

Local Aontú Mid Tyrone Cllr Rosemarie Shields stated: “It’s clear in the Dalradian Mine situation that all the ingredients of community consent are missing. At our very first meeting as a political party I proposed a motion to fully oppose the mine. This motion was passed unanimously by the Aontú delegates in attendance.

Local election candidate Margaret Swift stated: “We are steadfast behind the campaign to oppose this mine. We will use all our political influence to support the campaign and seek to prevent this mine being allowed to proceed.”

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.