“Poor Government Planning Means Choice Between Heat Or Food”

“Poor Government Planning Means Choice Between Heat Or Food” – Cllr Sarah O'Reilly

Aontú Cllr Sarah O'Reilly has responded to the damning remarks made by the director of ESB International.

Speaking today, Cllr O'Reilly said “Ireland is the least prepared country for a coming gas crisis this winter, according to the director of the ESB international. Countries across Europe have filled their gas storage over summer to support the increase in demand this winter. Ireland failed to do this. We’re already seeing the knock-on effects of this. This week alone there have been two amber alerts. This month, electric Ireland has increased the unit price of electricity by 11.35% and gas by 31.9%. This will affect well over 1 million people across the country”

“Every day I’m seeing the real-world impact of this. 23% of Irish people are experiencing energy poverty this year. However, an ESRI report found this could soon rise to 43% of households. It’s absolute disgrace that as a result of poor government planning, families will have to choose between heating their homes or putting food on the table”

“Rather than practical solutions to addressing this crisis, the government hides behind the demonisation of farmers. This crisis is serious and will only get worse and time goes on. We need rapid investment into developing our energy infrastructure” 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.