Tomorrow’s By-Elections a chance to call for a change in direction

Speaking in advance of tomorrow’s four By- Elections, the leader of the Labour Party, Brendan Howlin TD, said that voters have a unique opportunity to call for a change of direction on the issues that matter to them, and to send a clear signal that Irish people reject politicians who are willing to use racial stereotypes for political gain.

Deputy Howlin said:

“We are facing any number of crises, from record high numbers of children in homeless accommodation alongside the waste of public money on major projects, as well as a rising cost of living and no end to hospital waiting lists. I hope that people will say enough is enough, and vote for change.

“Labour has the best candidates in John Maher (Cork North-Central), Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal), Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid-West) and George Lawlor (Wexford), who will put in the work and give strong representation to local people and their concerns. Labour wants to build an equal society, where everyone’s voice matters.

“Labour has credible policies that will reduce waiting times for medical appointments, freeze and cap rents until we build enough homes, raise the pay and job security of underpaid workers, and stop the pension age rising to 67 in 2021.

“Labour is the only party that has unambiguously taken a zero tolerance position on the language of racism and discrimination that others have used for political gain.

“I know it is a busy time of the year, but democracy gives us all a precious opportunity to have our say. I urge all voters to go to the polls early in the day, as they open from 7am. These elections matter for anyone who wants a change of direction for our society.”