by Alan Jacques
LIMERICK Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan has revealed that his party are preparing for Government and will be running at least three candidates across both Limerick constituencies at the next General Election.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis last Saturday, Deputy Quinlivan suggested that they will seek the support of the electorate as they look to end the “cosy consensus politics” that has failed to deliver on the key issues.
“On the issues of housing and health, the government parties have failed. They have failed to support renters who see their rent spiralling year after year,” he declared.
“Nowhere is that truer than in Limerick with the cost of renting a family home being more than €2,000 per month. They have failed those who wish to own their own home. They have shown themselves to be unambitious when it comes to the delivery of social and affordable homes.”
On health, Deputy Quinlivan maintains, the government have “failed utterly”.
“The crucial issues of hospital capacity and outpatient waiting lists have not been addressed. We see this in Limerick at the University Hospital. In October, we had record numbers of people being treated on hospital trolleys. We have outpatient lists where someone who is graded as urgent is waiting up to 48 months to see a consultant.
“Neither of these are intractable problems. We have demonstrated in our alternative budget and our alternative health budget that with targeted investment and political will, these issues can be addressed. They can be addressed by a Sinn Féin-led government. They can be addressed by a party that puts the housing needs of our citizens before the demands of a vulture fund.
“They can be addressed by a party that puts mental health treatment on par with the treatment of physical ailments,” he concluded.
