Sinn Féin general election candidate Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness has said that Dungarvan and West Waterford need a TD to correct a decade long deficit in representation. He made the comments as Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald began her party’s first full day of campaigning in Dungarvan, Cappoquin, Lismore and Tallow – a clear indication of her confidence in McGuinness’s chances of making a gain in Waterford.
Speaking in Tallow McGuinness said:
“West Waterford has been left behind when it comes to investment, infrastructure and public services. Waterford doesn’t stop at the city – communities in the County deserves strong representation too.
“Not only has Dungarvan and West Waterford been left without a TD for far too long, but the deficit in representation has been confounded by the loss of town councils and town commissioners, and the merger of our county council with the city.
“I am the only candidate based in the west of the county – raising a young family in a rural community here. We need a national representative that lives here, understands the challenges facing out towns, villages and rural areas – and that is motivated to stand up for the county each and every day.
“In this election we have a clear choice between more of the same – indifference, neglect, waste and crises, or a change of government. Only Sinn Féin can deliver a new government that puts workers, families and communities first.
Housing
“Sinn Féin has an ambitious plan to get people back into secure homes. This fully costed plan would see 75,000 Social Homes, 50,000 affordable homes, 60,000 rental and self-build homes, and 115,000 privately developed homes build in the lifetime of the next government.
“It is time for us all to make the choice – to continue with the current disastrous model, or to give all generations the ability to have a home of their own.
“The reality of housing need in rural Ireland must be addressed through development of affordable serviced sites, and a planning approach that puts families and communities first
Health
“Sinn Féin in Government will invest in health services in Waterford and the wider South East region.
“As Sinn Féin Minister for Health David Cullinane will deliver 24/7 cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford; invest in community care, disability services, mental health, and improve access to GP care and dentistry.
“We will expand home care hours and respite care to enable as many people as possible to live with dignity at home and in their communities, and scrap the means test for carers.
“We will implement our action plan for mental health, and enhancing county-based mental health services and outreach.
“Our health service must work for everyone – for patients and for our health and social care workers.
Supporting rural communities
“Sinn Féin will support and sustain vibrant towns, villages and rural communities with accessible public services, including GP care, mental health supports, home care, visible and responsive policing, enhanced public transport, and increased community funding.
“We need a common sense approach to rural planning, the provision of affordable and social homes, and development of affordable serviced sites.
“Rural Ireland needs to see increased and targeted support for SMEs, farmers, inshore fisheries, and rural employees by stopping the punitive extra tax on fuel, supporting micro-generation of renewable energy, and tackling rip-off insurance.
Priorities
My priorities include:
Delivery of affordable, private and social housing for local families and individuals in their own communities
Action from TII on safety upgrades for the N25 and N72
development of a Community Centre, Family Resource Centre and an Ionad Gaeilge in Dungarvan.
Capital investment in a Public Swimming Pool, and in Athletics, sports and recreation facilities
Increased funding for rural economic development and jobs
Investment in our regional and local roads network, streets and footpaths, public lighting, and our water services.
More Gardaí and a greater emphasis on visible policing in our communities
Action from IDA and Enterprise Ireland to keep jobs locally
Polling Day
“On 29 November vote for a change of government and elect a TD for Dungarvan and West Waterford. Vote Sinn Féin one and two”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 