“People Must Have a Choice To Use Cash”

“People Must Have a Choice To Use Cash” – Cllr O’Reilly

Cllr. O’Reilly has called for businesses to not stop people from having the choice of using cash when purchasing products or services.

Speaking today, Cllr Sarah O’Reilly said “There is a worrying push towards a cashless society. This is having a huge impact on those on low incomes, the homeless and the elderly. For example, for many people in my local area, buying a GAA ticket has become a process of high anxiety, the handing over of personal information and a total dependence on others. People with no smart phones and no bank cards are hugely disadvantaged when trying to get tickets for GAA matches in Cavan. Suddenly, independent people have become very dependent on neighbors, friends or family members.”

Cllr. O’Reilly continued “Buying tickets online is a cumbersome process, you must download two apps, be a competent phone user, have good broadband and/or coverage when purchasing and when presenting the tickets for scanning. This is a massive problem in some places especially Mullagh. The app itself is also difficult to use. I struggled to use the app when I tried to buy a last-minute ticket for a friend for the under 12s finals in Breffni Park. The app kept throwing me out. I offered cash at the gate but was told “we are not allowed to take that”

“Aontú is calling on the Cavan County Board to provide a cash option similar to the Monaghan County Board. We are fast becoming ‘No Country for old men’. All we are asking is to give people the choice.” Concluded Cllr O’Reilly

CRÍOCH

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.