Longford Sinn Féin election candidate insists 'that Fine Gael don’t get sh*t done'

Longford / Westmeath Sinn Féin General Election candidate Barry Campion is insisting that 'Fine Gael don’t get sh*t done'. He was responding to the much publicised remarks made by Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary at the launch of Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke's election campaign. 

Campion said it is high time that O'Leary and Burke and co looked out from their ivory towers and realise that Fine Gael don’t get sh*t done. "15,000 homeless, 4,500 of theses children, record waiting lists in hospitals, childcare that’s unaffordable and is a second mortgage for many families. USC temporary taxes that never end and a health system that is becoming increasingly difficult to access for all."

The north Longford based candidate continued, "People need a break from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael and their cronies. People now know a continuation of this government means a continual increase in homelessness, unobtainable home ownership, crumbling infrastructure, huge class sizes and never ending queues in the health service."

Also read: Longford / Westmeath Sinn Féin TD: 'Video of jeering Fine Gaelers reveals party’s contempt for teachers and workers'

Campion concluded, "In this election you have a clear choice. A Sinn Féin led government that is on the side of the ordinary people or a Fine Gael led government that sides with the rich and privileged, and continues to waste your taxpayer money everyday."

Meanwhile, Labour’s Fidelma Bennett, General Election candidate in Longford-Westmeath,  called on all Government parties to distance themselves from comments made about teachers at a Fine Gael event.

She suggested the remarks by Michael O’Leary were not only outrageous but also an insult to the dedication and hard work of Ireland’s teachers. 

Also read: Longford / Westmeath produces first major election campaign controversy as teachers 'mocked and demeaned from a Fine Gael stage'

Bennett said, “To hear a public figure like Michael O’Leary make such disparaging remarks about teachers is disgraceful. These comments reflect a deep lack of respect for a profession that shapes every one of us. Teachers play an essential role, from our formative years into adulthood, and their influence has a direct impact on Ireland’s skilled and educated workforce. Every success we achieve as a nation owes something to the dedication of our educators.

“At a time when we’re facing a crisis in the teaching sector—with over 950 vacancies in primary and special schools alone—we should be doing everything we can to support and encourage people in the teaching profession, not sneering at them. We’re in the middle of a shortage that affects students, parents, and communities nationwide, yet comments like these only undermine the importance of the profession and could deter young people from entering it.

Also read: Seventeen candidates in Longford / Westmeath set to battle it out for five Dáil seats

“Does Fine Gael agree with Mr. O’Leary? Or will they take a stand to ensure that our teachers feel valued and respected? We can’t afford to dismiss the impact of these comments. A profession that already faces serious recruitment challenges should be given the highest respect, not made the subject of sneering remarks at campaign events. Teachers work tirelessly to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills that keep our economy and society vibrant and resilient."