Westmeath residents invited to submit ideas on how to make Ireland better – Peter Burke

Winning entrant will secure virtual meeting with An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar to discuss proposal

Residents of County Westmeath are being offered the chance to have their voice heard and contribute to national policymaking through Fine Gael’s new Better Ireland initiative, the local FG minister of state has said.

Minister Peter Burke said: “Fine Gael is asking people to submit their ideas for a better Ireland, and the winning entrant will secure a virtual meeting with An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar to discuss the proposal.

“The last 18 months have afforded us fewer opportunities to chat with people and engage on issues on the ground. While things are opening up and society is getting back to what it once was, new forms of communication have worked well over the last year and we have seen how the internet has become even more of a useful tool for keeping in touch and hearing ideas.

“It’s important that Fine Gael and government are familiar with people’s ideas, their suggestions and their vision for the future of this country. We are elected to serve the people and act on your behalf in Dáil Éireann.

“Entries are open now and the entry process couldn’t be any easier; log on to Finegael.ie/BetterIreland, describe your idea in 250 words or fewer and submit via the website. Anyone over the age of 18 who is a resident in Ireland is eligible to submit ideas.

“We would like to hear from as people as possible, from a diverse range of backgrounds, occupations, areas, to share their ideas with us on how we can improve life for residents in towns and cities across the country.

“Tell your friends, families and neighbours about the initiative and encourage younger people in your life to have a think about it as well.”

Speaking at the launch of the Better Ireland initiative, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “I’m looking forward to hearing from people across the country on how they think we can make Ireland a better place to live, work, raise children, receive an education, start a business and grow old.

“It might be a major policy initiative that will be completely transformative and change our country for the better, but it could also be something smaller; an idea that would make a real difference at a local and community level.

“Whatever your idea is, we want to hear it. I look forward to reading your submissions and meeting with the winning entrant where they will have the chance to pitch the idea to me over a video call – and you’re welcome to bring your friends and colleagues along as well,” An Tánaiste concluded.