Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has launched Sinn Féin’s pledge to young people.
She said: “It is the job of the next government to ensure young people can build a good, secure life in their own country. That is what they deserve and that is what Sinn Féin will deliver.”
She described as “shocking” comments from Fianna Fáil Minister Norma Foley who told teachers that the crisis in our schools is an “opportunity”. Ms. McDonald said “Teachers are leaving this country in their droves, principals are in crisis mode every day trying to staff classrooms and Fianna Fáil think this is an opportunity. I want to tell young teachers – you are valued. We want you to stay in Ireland and we are going to move heaven and earth so that you can make your life here. And those of you who have travelled to Dubai and Australia we are going to deliver the change needed so that you can come home.”
Speaking in Dublin City University this morning at the launch of the pledge, Ms McDonald said:
“Young people have been badly let down by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. At a time of economic growth young people are leaving in their droves because they see no future in Ireland. It is the job of the next government to ensure young people can build a good, secure life in their own country, raise a family if that is their wish, and enjoy a future full of opportunity, prosperity and success. That is what they deserve and that is what Sinn Féin will deliver.
“Our young people are our most important resource. They have incredible talent, skill, creativity and ideas that we should nurture and harness. They shouldn’t be forced to emigrate in search of a better life in Australia, or Canada.
“My message to our young people is that I want you to stay and help us take Ireland to the level. To those who have been forced to leave, my message is that I want to change things so you can come back to a better Ireland, one in which you can have the life you want.
“This morning, we launch our pledge to offer young people a future in Ireland.
“We will renew the promise that young people can have a home of their own. We will end the housing crisis and bring homeownership back into reach for young people. We have the plan to transform housing and restore hope for a generation.
“We will make life affordable for young people.
“Young people should be able to afford the rent. We’ll deliver homes to rent at an average of €1000 a month and even lower. We will also introduce a ban on rent increases for three years. We will build student accommodation to make sure that you have an affordable place to live while attending college.
“We will reduce the cost of higher education by abolishing student fees, starting with an initial cut of €1500.
“We will cut the cost of car insurance by ensuring that savings in the sector are passed onto customers in the form of lower premiums.
“We will lead meaningful, inclusive action to meet the climate and biodiversity crisis. We will assert Ireland’s proud place on the international stage as a neutral, non-aligned peace building nation.
“We will revolutionise youth mental health services for those under the age of 25. No young person in Ireland should ever have to face a mental health challenge without the care and services they need.
“A whole generation has been failed by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil governments. They have been robbed of their right to a future here in Ireland. That can’t go on. We need a new government that is on the side of young people, a government that will back them and their futures. The pledge we announce today is to say directly to young people that a Sinn Féin led government will do just that. Together, we will make Ireland a country in which young people can realise their full potential and pursue their dreams, happiness, and success.
“Sé ról an chéad rialtas eile cinntiú gur féidir le daoine óga saol na bhfuíoll, saol socair, a thógáil ina dtír féin, teaghlach a thógáil más mian leo agus todhchaí lán le deiseanna, le rachmas, agus le rath. Sin atá tuillte acu agus sin a chuirfidh Sinn Féin ar fáil.
“Tá an méid a dúirt Norma Foley Fhianna Fáil náireach. Tá na sluaite múinteoirí ag imeacht ón tír seo, tá géarchéim roimh príomhoidí gach uile lá ag iarraidh foireann a fháil dá seomraí ranga, agus measann Fianna Fáil gur “deis” atá anseo. Ba mhaith liom a rá le gach múinteoir óg – tá ardmheas againn ort, tá luach ag baint leat. Teastaíonn uainn go bhfanfaidh tú in Éirinn agus déanfaidh muid ár seacht ndícheall ionas go mbeidh deis agat saol a chruthú anseo.”
