Becky Kealy: FG’s Baby Box Video Cannot Paper Over Their Record On Homeless Births

Despite being asked in government formation talks by Aontú, Fine Gael refused to give any commitments to end the national disgrace of homeless births. Now FG have released a choreographed, cheesy clip about baby boxes – an empty promise FG ministers have made endless promises about, but as usual have not delivered upon. A party-sponsored campaign ad does not paper over their shameful record on homelessness and homeless births in Ireland – on their watch.

Aontú have always fought for an Irish society that is more compassionate, more welcoming, and more protector of mother and child – born and unborn. What is compassionate, Christian or welcoming for mothers and their children about being forced to give birth to their child homeless on the streets? What is right about hours-long queues of women for nappies, baby formula and other essentials at Capuchin Day Centres?

This scandal has happened on the FG dime. FG have been in government for 11 years and have had the power to provide baby boxes but have not. Why has it taken them 11 years to begin even talking about pushing a single policy to combat homeless births? Especially, since they could not make any commitments on the issue when forming a government. If combating homeless births was not on their agenda for government, why is it suddenly important to FG now? The shameless, empty promises do not disguise their record.

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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.