There is an arrogance in the government parties thinking they have this election sewn up
The Social Democrats have today launched their general election campaign with party leader Holly Cairns outlining the party’s dealbreakers for entering government.
Speaking at the event, Cairns said:
“The first thing I want to be clear about today – is that the Social Democrats want to go into government. Not to make up the numbers, or get jobs for the girls, but to make a difference.
“As the leader of the Social Democrats, which values straight talking and clear positions, I want to be very transparent with people about the policies that are dealbreakers for us in any government formation talks.
“The delivery of 50,000 affordable purchase homes over the lifetime of the next government is essential. Housing needs a radical reset and central to that must be affordability. If the Social Democrats are in government, people on average incomes will once again be able to aspire to home ownership.
“The full implementation of Sláintecare is another non-negotiable. What we currently have is slow motion Sláintecare – and it is resulting in unacceptable waiting lists and high costs for individuals and families.
“Appointing a full cabinet minister for disability is critical for the Social Democrats. Under successive governments, disability services have gotten worse, not better. I believe this is due to a lack of political will. In any government which includes the Social Democrats, disabled people will have a strong advocate at the cabinet table fighting for resources and improved services.
“We want to see the roll out of a public model of childcare, to ensure affordable childcare is accessible and affordable, and we have a plan to start that on day one.
“We will also insist that a credible Climate Action plan is published, which actually adds up to a 51% reduction in emissions, to meet our climate targets – and save us €8 billion in EU fines.
“The government is spinning a story of success at the moment, but a lot of people out there feel disconnected from that. We have full employment but half a million adults living in their childhood bedrooms; record budget surpluses, but threadbare disability services.
“None of the problems we face as a country – in housing, in healthcare, in disability services, or any area – are inevitable. They are the product of political choices made at the cabinet table. This election is a choice about who sits at that table.
“There is an arrogance in the government parties thinking they have this election sewn up. They are already talking about the ministerial offices they want to take and when they want to be Taoiseach. They’re taking voters for granted.
“I am asking people to trust us with their vote and give us the largest possible mandate so we can enter government, work hard and improve the lives of everyone in the country.”
12 November, 2024
Ends