“Aontú will seek to maximise local democracy and protect our environment; we oppose the issuing of prospecting licenses which threaten to devastate our countryside”

“Aontú will seek to maximise local democracy and protect our environment; we oppose the issuing of prospecting licenses which threaten to devastate our countryside” - Kelly

Aontú Newry & Armagh Candidate Martin Kelly has stated:

“A Stormont department has said exploration for oil and gas by the controversial practice of fracking will be for a future Executive minister to decide on after the UK government halted the practice in England."

The Department for Economy launched a consultation in May on Tamboran Resources' application for a licence to test a large area in south-west Fermanagh for natural gas. The Australian firm was originally awarded a licence by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) in 2011. But its efforts to drill a borehole at a quarry in Belcoo triggered protests and was rightly blocked.

Martin Kelly concluded:

“The company had speculated that the natural gas resources in County Fermanagh could be worth up to 20 billion pounds and went to great lengths to assure the local community of the financial benefits that would be shared by all.”

"These companies are here to line their own pockets. I am especially opposed to fracking which is an extremely hazardous form of subterranean exploration. This company does not care for the environment or the people who live in the area, they will take what they want and leave pollution and destruction in their wake.”

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.