Longford Sinn Féin candidate says voters who want housing crisis fixed face a 'stark choice'

Voters face a 'stark choice' in the general election between a worsening housing crisis under government parties or a Sinn Féin government committed to delivering change, according to Sinn Féin's Barry Campion.

The Longford/Westmeath candidate made his comments following the publication of the Department of Housing’s homelessness figures.

“The housing crisis is causing devastation for people right across Longford and Westmeath," Mr Campion said. "The latest figures from the Department of Housing show there are now 153 people living in emergency accommodation in the Midlands."

Mr Campion said that in reality the true number will be much higher, as the figures do not include people living with friends on an emergency basis, or people living in domestic violence shelters.

READ NEXT: Longford MEP Ciaran Mullooly urges reform in EU funds after calamity of mistakes

The medical devices sector worker stated under this government, the number of people who are homeless in Longford/Westmeath has soared year after year.

"Rents are sky high and people are struggling to save up for a deposit while house prices spiral out of reach," he added.

Mr Campion, who ran for Sinn Féin in the local elections earlier this year but missed out on a seat, insisted this is the legacy of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in government.

“It is clear that voters face a stark choice at the general election," he said. "This is a choice between a worsening housing crisis under Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, or a Sinn Féin government that delivers change and is committed to ending the housing crisis."

READ NEXT: PICTURES | Big celebrations for delighted Longford students at DCU graduation ceremonies

Mr Campion ending the housing crisis would be the number one priority of a Sinn Féin government.

"We have set out in our plan, 'A Home of Your Own', how we would end the housing crisis and bring the dream of home ownership back into reach for working people," he said. “Sinn Féin is committed to delivering 300,000 new homes, private and public, affordable and to rent, over the lifetime of the next government. We are committed to enabling people to build homes in their own communities."

Mr Campion stated their plan is fully costed, detailed and deliverable.

He insisted it would make a real difference for people in Longford/Westmeath by ensuring they can finally have a home of their own.

"A place to call home and look ahead with hope to the future," he said. "That is why this election is a crucial opportunity to vote for a Sinn Féin government and vote to end the housing crisis.”