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4 August 2014 Edition

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Opposing austerity, North and South

Editorial • Eagarfhocal

Reactionary parties North and South who champion these cuts need to explain to those who elect them why they are so keen to punish the most vulnerable. Where in their manifestos did they tell their voters they wanted to cut living standards?

SINN FÉIN is using its electoral mandate and political influence to oppose austerity throughout Ireland.

It is the only party in government in Europe actively fighting welfare cuts.

In the Dáil, the Assembly, in Europe, at Westminster and at local councils throughout the country, our anti-austerity message of opposing cuts is clear.

In the North, despite the efforts of the DUP (who seem content to act as cheerleaders for the millionaires in the Tory Cabinet) Sinn Féin is standing firm in its opposition to welfare cuts.

Nowhere in the Programme for Government adopted by the Executive parties does it approve the erosion of welfare rights.

The proposed cuts would have a devastating impact on the community but, as always, it would be the most vulnerable in our society who are most at risk.

Older people, the unemployed, people with disabilities and those living in isolated rural areas would bear the brunt of these drastic cuts.

Working-class unionists have been left leaderless by the lack of vision and regard for the working poor and jobless from the big parties that dominate political unionism.

In contrast, Sinn Féin is providing leadership and standing up for all citizens.

MPs, MLAs and councillors recently joined striking public sector workers on picket lines to back their campaign against cuts to frontline services.

Sinn Féin’s stance in support of the welfare state and rejection of welfare cuts has prevented the spread of poverty levels witnessed elsewhere where growing numbers of people are dependent on food banks.

In Dublin, TDs and councillors took to the streets in solidarity with the Greyhound workers.

Every day in the Dáil, Sinn Féin TDs are challenging the failed policies of austerity promoted by a discredited government which continually prioritises the needs of an elite few.

Reactionary parties North and South who champion these cuts need to explain to those who elect them why they are so keen to punish the most vulnerable. Where in their manifestos did they tell their voters they wanted to cut living standards?

They should join with Sinn Féin and growing numbers of others fighting against austerity and cuts.

Sinn Féin’s position on austerity and cuts is consistent throughout Ireland and in Europe.

More and more people across Ireland are discovering the terrible impact of austerity and looking to Sinn Féin for the alternative.

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