A RALLYING cry went out to Limerick Sinn Féin supporters last weekend at the annual Seán Sabhat (Sean South) commemoration in the city.
Senator Paul Gavan, who will be contesting the European Elections in Ireland South this June, addressed a crowd of about 200 people at Mount St Lawrence this past Sunday (January 7). The Castleconnell-based politician took the view that a change of government cannot come soon enough for the people of Ireland.
“After 12 years of Fine Gael government, propped up by Fianna Fáil for the last eight, it is abundantly clear that the parties that created the health and housing crises are totally incapable of solving them,” Senator Gavan declared.
“The latest record homeless figures are further confirmation that neither party has the political will or capacity to deliver the changes we need to see.”
Senator Gavan made widespread claims that a Sinn Féin government would build affordable homes, tackle the high cost of living, build healthcare capacity and reduce health waiting lists, respond ambitiously and fairly to the climate crisis, and begin planning for a United Ireland.
“Our country cannot afford another five years of FF/FG failure — our mission must be to lead the struggle for a New Ireland, and to work with progressive civil society, especially our trade unions, and community groups to deliver the greatest possible level of change.”
Senator Gavan sent a special message of solidarity to the people of Palestine, demanding that the Irish Government take action in support of the Palestinian people.
“We have seen 11,000 Palestinian children slaughtered by Israeli bombs in 11 weeks. What we are witnessing is genocide. Our government must immediately support South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice against Israel for the crime of Genocide against the Palestinian people,” the Limerick senator urged.
Senator Gavan also emphasised the importance of people coming out to vote in this year’s Local and European elections, which are scheduled for June 7.
“These elections are the first crucial step in delivering the change that the people need. It is county councillors who have the privilege of electing the next Seanad. If we do not see change at council level, we will end up with a Seanad still dominated by the conservative parties,” he hit out.
“At EU level, we need new representation to argue for a social Europe and a much greater balance in favour of public investment, as opposed to the current trajectory of a militarised and privatised Europe.”
