by Kate Heaney
THE 100% Redress Party who took four seats in the local elections in Donegal have called on affected home owners and local people to help them establish party cumanns across the county.
Party spokesperson Cllr Ali Farren told the Donegal News yesterday that if people want representation in Dublin, the party needs a lot more help on the ground.
“We are probably looking at a snap election with maybe a short run in so we need to have the people in place on the ground here to knock on doors and help get a TD elected from the party to drive our message home.
“Every political party has cumanns. This party was formed to give a voice for defective concrete block home owners. We need the home owners to support the party so we can help them at government and council level. If everyone can do a little, we can get a lot done,” he said.
Following a recent successful meeting in Milford there are two meetings scheduled for next week: Monday, September 2, at 7.30pm in Buncrana Youth Club, Castle Avenue, Buncrana and on Tuesday, September 3, at 7.30pm in the Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey.
Further meetings are to be held in North Inishowen, Letterkenny and Donegal Town.
Cllr Farren acknowledged that it is easy to be and expert commenting on social media but not so easy to put your name on the block.
“We were lucky enough to get four councillors elected with just a small committee of 14 people. It takes a community working together to make a difference and we are there to represent the thousands of defective concrete block home owners,” Cllr Farren added.
ONE ISSUE
Although not focussed on one issue, the Party has principally been advocating for a genuine 100% redress scheme for all property owners affected by the defective concrete crisis.
Cllr Joy Beard (Buncrana), who was also successful in the June local elections, commented: “With a strong network of committed members who can influence policy and contribute to the Party’s ongoing efforts, we can bring about meaningful change which is so desperately needed.”
Letterkenny councillor Tomas Sean Devine said here are so many issues that need to be redressed.
“I urge everyone to come along to our information meetings, get involved and meet the team.”
On the failure of Housing Minster Darragh O’Brien to come to Donegal this summer to meet affected home owners, Cllr Farren stressed that it is the minister’s job.
“People in Dublin don’t get what’s happening to home owners here. I am calling on the minister to come and see for himself,” he concluded
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