‘Lack of investment’ causing suffering in Westmeath – Mangan
People in Westmeath are suffering because of a “massive lack of investment in rural Ireland”, according to Labour’s general election candidate Alan Mangan.
Speaking at the party’s annual national conference in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Friday, the former inter county footballer said that there are “many people in this town and in this region” who are feeling the effects of government policies that discriminate against rural communities.
“This discrimination has meant a lack of housing and employment, an inability to live in rural locations, cuts in garda numbers, schools, transport options and support for small businesses.
“It has meant a lack of support for carers, for those suffering addiction, or mental health issues, or those who have had to come to our country for refuge,” he said.
Looking ahead to next year’s general election, Mangan urged his fellow delegates “to offer a real alternative to the new ‘I step out and you step in again’ politics of the two major parties or the lack of real alternatives or solutions offered by Sinn Féin and the other oppose everything parties”.
“We are not about collecting votes on false promises but about building a fair and just society with real costed policies, and we are offering ourselves to the Irish electorate as a responsible party with a real vision for a fair and equal Ireland.
“We are asking the Irish people to support our by-election candidates and I welcome them particularly here today, but also to support each of us who will be on the ballot paper next spring.
“In Labour we offer hope, solutions, and a transparent plan to solve the housing, health and environmental crisis. We want climate action but also a just transition, we want jobs but in areas that limit our carbon footprint, we want essential infrastructure but will not be signing blank cheques like the national children’s hospital.
“We want clean water available to everyone but we also want to conserve it. We want a tax system that stimulates employment but does not starve essential government services. We are about responsible politics, we tell the truth.”
Mangan also paid tribute to the man who he is replacing on the Labour ticket “the great” Willie Penrose, TD.
“Willie Penrose has served this constituency and the Labour Party with distinction since the age of 13 as branch secretary, as county councillor from 1985 and as TD for this area from 1992 until the present.
“His lifetime of public service has been one of dedication, honesty, huge energy, endless compassion, and a drive to look after the real needs of people.
“His connection with the people of this area, whether through agriculture, sport, politics, the carers, community development, or music, has always meant there was one set of ears always willing to hear and one set of arms and legs always willing to do something about it.
“His sharp mind, photographic memory and huge heart meant Willie Penrose was someone you could always rely on. If he could do if for you, he would – if it was not possible, he would tell you the truth.
“I am delighted that in this year as he bids us farewell as our TD and former minister that as vice-chair of the Westmeath Comhaltas committee, the fleadh is coming home to Mullingar and as a proud native, Ballynacargy are Junior Football Champions. Willie – you will always be missed, but we know you will always be with us,” he said.