Healthcare workers across the north are striking as they struggle to survive

Healthcare workers across the north are striking as they struggle to survive - Kelly

Aontú Newry & Armagh Candidate Martin Kelly stated:

“The experiences of healthcare workers reveal the harrowing personal toll on families as a result of chronic underfunding of the health service in the north. The trade union Unison have voted in support of strike action after eight months of pay talks with the Department of Health broke down without agreement.

“Nurses and paramedics, senior nursing staff, healthcare assistants, administrative workers, porters and cleaners in the north earn lower than their counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales. The deficit faced by local nurses and paramedics in their annual pay rate is at almost £1,500.

“Responsibility for averting this situation lies with the Department of Health, the head of the civil service and the Department of Finance.

“The health system in the north is currently at breaking point along with multiple departments crying out for funding. It must be provided to ensure safe staffing levels as a matter of urgency.”

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.