The North’s Political Cartel are Carving up the 6 Counties Again

The North’s Political Cartel are Carving up the 6 Counties Again - Tóibín

Speaking in response to announcements of Political Pacts amongst the establishment parties in the north of Ireland Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD stated:

“The political system in the north of Ireland is the most dysfunctional in Europe. Stormont is shut for more than 1000 days. 300,000 people are in poverty. 36,000 people received food parcels last year. 11,000 people are homeless and yet all the while the establishment parties collect their pay cheques.

"At a time when the north radically needs a new beginning, at a time where change was need more than ever what we see is parties signing up to what amounts to a political cartel. Shoring up and consolidating power is the order of the day when in reality we should be seeking breaking the stalemate.

“Establishment political parties rallying around one another to protect their power bases does not give confidence that the main players are in anyway interested in politics that benefits ordinary people.

“A new beginning is needed. This is a once in a generation opportunity to break the dysfunction. It will only happen if we break the cartel. Aontú will do our utmost to make the new beginning happen north and south."

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.