Ógra Aontú Express Well Wishes to SD Leader on Pregnancy Announcement

Ógra Aontú would like to wish all the best to Holly Cairns and her partner on the announcement that they are expecting a baby. Speaking today, spokesperson for the group, Melissa Byrne said:

"While we disagree with the Social Democrats on a variety of political issues, we want to take this opportunity to wish Deputy Cairns all the best with her pregnancy. It is not easy to speak out so openly about the issue of miscarriage. We know that between 10% and 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and that a lot of women are suffering in silence, it is a topic which warrants further discussion, and understanding".

Ms Byrne continued: "As a pro life activist I believe that we need to do more for pregnant women, and one cohort which are consistently overlooked are pregnant politicians. So often pregnant politicians face huge barriers in accessing maternity leave - this is not just a systemic problem but also a societal one where the chances of losing a seat increase when one takes maternity leave".

"When a government Minister became pregnant in recent times, there were offers of pairing arrangements for votes from the opposition benches. Now is the time for such offers of pairs from the government benches. We must break down barriers and ensure that pregnancy is no longer seen as negative when it comes to career progression", concluded Byrne.

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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.