People Before Profit Alliance Welcomes Shift To The Left In Local Election Results
Alliance Wins Five Council Seats
Alliance Says Government Must Be Driven From Office
Time For New Political Force To Offer A Real Alternative
The People Before Profit Alliance today welcomed the outcome of the local elections. The results show a significant shift to the left. Throughout the country, in Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Cork, Tipperary, Sligo and Galway the people have voted for councillors who want to see real change in Irish society. The People Before Profit Alliance won five seats in its first local election campaign and now has more seats than the Greens. Elected were; Richard Boyd Barrett (Dun Laoighre), Joan Collins (Crumlin/Kimmage), Brid Smith (Ballyfermot/Drimnagh), Hugh Lewis (Ballybrack) & Gino Kenny (Clondalkin).
Above: Newly elected Ballybrack Cllr Hugh Lewis & Cllr Richard Boyd Barrett, Dun Laoghaire
Newly elected Councillor Richards Boyd Barrett, who topped the poll in Dun Laoghaire, said “The election results show there is a real desire for change. People are angry with a government that has pumped billions into failed banks while services and wages are cut and dole queues get longer. This government has no mandate to rule and should be driven from office. The trade unions, community organisations and the left should now organise mass protests to give the government the final push.”
Above: Cllr Gino Kenny & supporters after winning seat in Clondalkin
Re-elected Councillor Joan Collins pledged
“People Before Profit will not be doing deals with any of the establishment parties on local councils. Instead our councillors will give voice to the anger of the public and lead the resistance to cuts and local charges. We will be an independent voice for all those wanting change. We will provide a real opposition on the councils to which we have been elected."
Above: Cllr Joan Collins speaking to RTE & Today FM after retaining her seat in Crumlin
Cllr Collins said " The outcome of the election has seen a significant number of councillors elected who offer a real political alternative. The People Before Profit Alliance is committed to working with other liked minded individual and organisations to give political expression to those who want real change. The alternative offered by Fine Gael and Labour would see no major change in the direction of government policy. Fine Gael intends even more savage cut-backs in public services and they refuse point blank to call for taxes on wealth.
Above: Cllr Brid Smith & supporters after winning seat in Ballyfermot/Drimnagh
There is no future for the left in doing deals with parties beholden to big business and failed economic doctrines. We are calling on all those committed to a real alternative to come together to work for the creation of a new political force.”
For more information contact Eddie Conlon 087 6775468
