At the launch of the Longford Westmeath branch of People Before Profit on Monday night last, were, from left: Philomena Lawlor, general election candidate Jimmy Duffy, Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett, Chris Wakefield and Janet Meade.

People before profit can win a dail seat says candidate

Published: Tue 12 May 2015, 5:20 PM

Last updated: Tue 12 May 2015, 6:23 PM

People Before Profit can win a seat in Longford Westmeath at the next general election, according to the party's newly selected candidate Jimmy Duffy.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner at the launch of the party's local branch, which was held in Mullingar's Newbury Hotel last night, Mr Duffy said that people want an alternative to the established political parties.

"I think it is possible to win a seat, especially the way we have taken so much austerity. The people have made enough sacrifices and now we are being sacrificed. It has to stop.”

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett, who addressed the well attended meeting, said that People Before Profit and other left wing groups can upset the status quo at the next election but it will require an “unprecedented mobilisation at grassroots level".

“If you don’t want to see a return of the old guard get involved. The next year or two will decide what direction this country is going in,” the Dún Laoghaire TD said.