People Before Profit Dundalk have held another successful silent protest at the residence of Dermot Ahern, Minister for Justice and Law Reform. Approximately twenty five people gathered for the protest. People Before Profit Dundalk do not publicly announce the time of the protests to ensure good management in respect to Ahern's family and neighbours.
The protesters are demanding the re-opening of the Louth County Hospital to admit acute accident and emergency cases such as heart attacks, strokes and serious accidents/car crashes. They are also demanding that the government end the cuts to services and lower income members of the public.
Finbar Markey has said that "the people have to be told the truth that if the tax loopholes for the rich and highest earners were closed, it would rake in seven and a half billion every year, far more than the value of the cuts. Indeed, ending private pension subsidies to high earners would net three and a half billion alone. This is not to mention the trillion plus Euros worth of gas and oil around our coasts that was give away for nothing to Shell. Over the last ten years many countries have renegotiated with these companies and are now getting a fair deal.The last thing we need is more cuts, we need social justice for the people of this country. We say no to cuts and yes to the truth about this so called crisis."
Mark Fitzsimons, disability spokesperson for People Before Profit in Dundalk who was also at the protest said, "We have been invited for talks with Minister Ahern. These talks cannot be solely about changing our protest strategy, they must also include talks about the reasons we are here, that we want our A&E services back in Dundalk and an end to cuts. I will argue at our public meeting on wednesday night that we want a public debate with the minister, broadcast over the radio and within a public forum."
Despite the threat of hurricanne tail storms, indeed inspite of this warning, the protesters turned up. But it was not the only warning as some protesters described their fears for their jobs. One protester who does not wish to be named said "I have been called by seniors at work who are concerned that my involvement in this peaceful protest movement could mean cuts to where i work. It's a very real fear, but it is giving into that fear and letting those at the top do what they want without question that has us in this mess."
Many of the protesters were uplifted by the postitive response from those driving and walking passed who displayed their support in different ways. A number of protesters said they saw the minister looking out his window, although this is to be confirmed as news reports earlier in the day said he was in Dublin discussing the budget.
A spokesperson for People Before Profit Dundalk has said that more peaceful silent protests are planned irrespective of whether or not they are in negotiations with the minister. "There will be no let up until the minister discusses many issues publicly with us and real change occurs."
The protesters are demanding the re-opening of the Louth County Hospital to admit acute accident and emergency cases such as heart attacks, strokes and serious accidents/car crashes. They are also demanding that the government end the cuts to services and lower income members of the public.
Finbar Markey has said that "the people have to be told the truth that if the tax loopholes for the rich and highest earners were closed, it would rake in seven and a half billion every year, far more than the value of the cuts. Indeed, ending private pension subsidies to high earners would net three and a half billion alone. This is not to mention the trillion plus Euros worth of gas and oil around our coasts that was give away for nothing to Shell. Over the last ten years many countries have renegotiated with these companies and are now getting a fair deal.The last thing we need is more cuts, we need social justice for the people of this country. We say no to cuts and yes to the truth about this so called crisis."
Mark Fitzsimons, disability spokesperson for People Before Profit in Dundalk who was also at the protest said, "We have been invited for talks with Minister Ahern. These talks cannot be solely about changing our protest strategy, they must also include talks about the reasons we are here, that we want our A&E services back in Dundalk and an end to cuts. I will argue at our public meeting on wednesday night that we want a public debate with the minister, broadcast over the radio and within a public forum."
Despite the threat of hurricanne tail storms, indeed inspite of this warning, the protesters turned up. But it was not the only warning as some protesters described their fears for their jobs. One protester who does not wish to be named said "I have been called by seniors at work who are concerned that my involvement in this peaceful protest movement could mean cuts to where i work. It's a very real fear, but it is giving into that fear and letting those at the top do what they want without question that has us in this mess."
Many of the protesters were uplifted by the postitive response from those driving and walking passed who displayed their support in different ways. A number of protesters said they saw the minister looking out his window, although this is to be confirmed as news reports earlier in the day said he was in Dublin discussing the budget.
A spokesperson for People Before Profit Dundalk has said that more peaceful silent protests are planned irrespective of whether or not they are in negotiations with the minister. "There will be no let up until the minister discusses many issues publicly with us and real change occurs."
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