United Ireland: Mary Lou promises a 'minister for reunification' if elected to govern
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A Sinn Féin government would abolish the means test for carers benefit and would appoint a minister for reunification, Mary Lou McDonald has said.
Calling for support in the upcoming general election, Ms McDonald has urged voters to “say goodbye to government for the vested interests, vulture funds, and the cosy club".
Addressing her party’s Ard Fheis in Athlone, Ms McDonald singled out carers who she said are saving the state billions.
“It’s unfair that Carers Allowance is means tested. So, I want to be very clear. In government, Sinn Féin would abolish the means test for Carers Allowance.
“To Ireland’s carers, we see you, we hear you, we recognise you, but above all else, we thank you.”
Ms McDonald also used the speech to outline a number of policy promises, from providing childcare for €10 a day per child; to a second emergency hospital department for the mid-west region; as well as hiring 1,000 extra gardaí.
She said that there is a need for “mature, respectful conversation about constitutional change,” which will be required for a United Ireland, and said she would appoint a minister for reunification to oversee the process.
Turning to migration, Ms McDonald said racism is repulsive and must be faced down, but she stressed that communities that are already under pressure must not be overburdened.
“Community, fairness, and common sense must be at the heart of how we manage immigration.
“The system must be resourced, applications dealt with quickly and fairly. IPAS centres must not be located in working-class communities struggling to survive. That’s not reasonable or fair.
“We will always stand up for communities,” she said.