ONGOING SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORT CHAOS IN MAYO

ONGOING SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORT CHAOS IN MAYO - Cllr Paul Lawless

A Mayo Councillor is calling on the council to invite the Minister for Education to attend a special meeting to discuss on going school bus transport issues in the county.

Aontú Cllr Paul Lawless said

“I ‘ve a motion down for Monday’s meeting of the council (14th October) as this issue is going on for far too long. Many students are left without transport to school while half-empty buses pass by, causing major difficulties to families. It’s unacceptable and ultimately Norma Foley has to be made accountable for this fiasco”.

“The stress and strain is terrible for parents, many of whom have to totally rejig their work arrangements to try and bring their children to school themselves. Given Norma Foley is part of a coalition Government that is constantly extolling the benefits of public transport, this would be funny if it wasn’t so serious”.

“This happens year after year, and the Minister is not held accountable. It’s incredible, no planning, no joined up thinking whatsoever. If this was a private sector worker she or he would be sacked” .

“Well, I think it’s high time she was questioned on this issue which is causing such upheaval in the lives of people just trying to get their kids to school”.

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.