By Róise Collins
DONEGAL’S newest political party have expressed their frustration as they are still waiting for formal approval from the Electoral Commission.
The 100% Redress Party are in the midst of becoming a registered party to act as a voice for those affected by defective blocks in Donegal and around the country.
They have fulfilled all of the criteria required to get their logo on a ballot paper in time for the upcoming local elections, including gathering over 300 party members.
They lodged the papers with the Electoral Commission in July and those behind the party had hoped to know the outcome of the application in a matter of weeks. However they are still waiting said party spokesperson, Ali Farren.
“Nothing happens too fast in Dublin with defective concrete blocks, never mind trying to get a party started,” Mr Farren added.
The move to form a political party was prompted by disappointment and confusion over the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme.
“We have asked politicians for the last 15 years to be our voice, but ultimately they haven’t delivered. So we feel the best chance we have now is to be at the table where decisions are made”, Mr Farren said.
Mr Farren also stressed that they will not be a single-issue political party.
“We have a wide and varied range of policies we would like to fulfil and we will represent rural Ireland to the best of our ability. We will reach out to other affected communities in other counties who might want to run candidates under our banner.”
The next local government elections are set to take place in June 2024, so the party hope to have their candidates in the field by the start of the New Year.
Mr Farren emphasised the importance of women joining the party as he said they have been a driving force in the defective block campaign.
They also want to reach out to young people with an interest in politics.
Mr Farren is encouraging people to follow their social media platforms at 100% Redress Party, to help them gather momentum ahead of the upcoming election.
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