Irish Troops Tour of Duty Extended Due to Crisis

Leader of Aontú Peadar Tóibín TD stated;

Irish Defence Forces stationed in the Syrian Golan will not be returning home as planned this weekend. It is understood that the UN are looking for the Tour of Duty to continue until the end of June. While this is understandable in the current environment many of the troops have not seen their families for up to 6 months. Now there is a probability that they will be staying in Syria for a further 3 months.

Irish troops are taxed at the higher rate of taxation – notwithstanding their bravery and service. Around the world, most governments refuse to tax their troops at the higher rate – as a token of their appreciation for their service in such dangerous and perilous environs.

Not so the Irish government, who tax the monies paid to the troops by the UN at the higher rate of taxation – showing little respect for the service of our men and women in uniform.

This is in addition to the already appalling facilities and rates of pay of our Defence Forces as a whole. The government does not hesitate to call on our Defence Forces in times of crisis. The Irish Government does not hesitate to regularly state their admiration for our troops, but more than hesitates in paying our troops a fair wage for their service.

Aontú is calling for a tax credit for our service members to exempt them from the higher rate of taxation while on duty– in recognition of their service. This in addition to the need to revise the current rates of pay and facilities being afforded to Army. Our troops deserve pay and facilities commensurate with the bravery of their service.

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.