Wicklow Labout Party Ready for Election, says McManus

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Wicklow Labout Party Ready for Election, says McManus

Thursday, April 12 2007

[Speech by Liz Mcmanus, Wicklow TD, Labour Party Deputy Leader Party and Spokesperson on Health, at Launch of General Election Campaign 2007, Royal Hotel, Bray, Thursday, 12th April 2007]

People keep stopping to ask me when the election will be held, I can't answer that question. Only the Taoiseach can and he seems to have run for cover. But, one thing I do know is that whenever the Taoiseach climbs out of his bunker and finally names the day, we in the Labour Party in Wicklow will be ready for the challenge.

I’m really encouraged by the effort that is being made already by our members in the county. Your turnout here is very welcome, an indication of the sense of purpose that unites us. In the coming election there is an opportunity to make a breakthrough in Co Wicklow. I acknowledge the presence of Cllr Nicky Kelly here tonight. Winning two Labour seats will make all the difference. It may even be the determinant of a change to bring about, not just a new and different government, but a better government.

Listening to Ross Connolly speak I am conscious of the important legacy that we share. There is a great Labour tradition here in Bray and in Co Wicklow, one of integrity and public service, over generations. We can draw strength from that tradition. It provides us with the framework on which to build the Labour Party into the future. And our job is to look to the future and create the fair society that a prosperous economy can deliver.

Here in Bray we have opportunities to ensure that the future delivers a good quality of life for all our citizens. That means listening to the concerns of the people and it is clear from our work that tackling the health crisis must be an absolute priority. Instead of the world class health service that the government promised we have a deep crisis in health which makes so many people fearful for their future. The Labour Party has just completed a major survey on the health service nationally. Here in Wicklow over 100 people participated in it and I want to thank them for giving their time, the findings are stark. The two tier system means that 84% of private patients get seen within three months while only 30% of public patients do. The cost of primary care is stopping many people from going to see their G.P. 13% said that cost would even deter them from bringing a sick child to the doctor. In A and E 51% said that when they needed a hospital bed they were waiting over 12 hours for a bed. Labour listened and Labour in government is clear about our commitments.

We will give every child under five a free GP card. Up to 40% of our population will have the protection of a medical card. We will take the necessary steps towards the ending of the two tier system by providing universal insurance cover starting with children up to the age of 16. We will tackle the problems in our A and E Departments and we will provide a ‘Patient Safety Authority’ so that the scourge of MRSA is overcome.

Here in Bray we are presented with an opportunity to ensure the prosperity of our town. The decision by An Bord Pleanála not to permit the development of the golf clubs lands as premature is welcome. It is both necessary and a wise decision. Our Labour Councillors have shown great foresight in their determination that the flood defence scheme would be provided first, is a vital part of the picture and the involvement of the OPW has been immensely helpful. The other issue which must be addressed is the serious traffic levels that would swamp the existing road network in Bray. We need the extension of Luas to the Dart station in Bray. I am delighted that Pat Rabbitte the Leader of the Labour Party has been able to come to Bray and see for himself the strength of the case for Luas. Public transport is the way of the future and Bray needs the same benefits that other towns enjoy when it comes to public infrastructure.

We also are committed to addressing the educational needs of children in Wicklow. One of the most disturbing failures of this Government has been the neglect of St Catherine’s School in Newcastle where staff are caring for children with special needs in totally inappropriate accommodation. The future of St Brigid’s School in Greystones is essential if we are to meet the needs of a growing population.

This morning I attended the signing of the contracts for the Bray swimming pool by our Cathaoirleach, Cllr Anne Egan. It was a proud moment, long awaited and long overdue. In government we will ensure that the recreational and sporting infrastructure is enhanced right across the county.

Health, housing, transport and education are our core issues but today an important new policy was launched by our Environment Spokesperson, Eamon Gilmore T.D., and our Leader, Pat Rabbitte T.D. Climate Change is one of the biggest challenges of our time and the Labour Party is at the forefront in meeting that challenge. Protecting our environment is too important to be left to any one party. It requires a broad overarching approach that is as much about ethics and values as it is about changing our habits. Our Labour values are universal ones - we stand for social justice and for equality, and we stand for global responsibility to ensure that the poor of the world do not suffer because of the greed of developed countries. Here in Bray we can help in a small but significant way to be part of that change. I believe a new alternative government with Labour at its heart and with two Labour TDs working hard for the county we will have the best opportunity to reach our goals.

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