Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil can delay change, but they cannot stop it – Clarke

A government led by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael – no matter who they are propped up by – does not represent the change that people voted for, according to Sorca Clarke, Sinn Féin TD for Longford Westmeath.

Responding to the announcement that Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party have agreed a Programme for Government, Deputy Clarke said: “Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael excluded Sinn Féin from the government formation process in an attempt to deny change, to protect the status-quo and to continue with the same politics that have so badly failed workers and families.

“They have now reached an agreement on a Programme for Government with the Green Party.

“But the reality is that a government led by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael – no matter who they are propped up by – does not represent the change that people voted for and will not deliver for workers and families.

“Their record in government together over the last four years shows us exactly what they will do if this Programme for Government is endorsed by the parties involved.

“What we need is a break from the past, not a repeat of it.

“That means rebuilding the economy in a fair and sustainable way, delivering affordable housing, delivering universal healthcare, making sure workers can retire at the age of 65, investing in our forgotten regions and delivering the type of real change required to tackle the climate emergency.

“This will not be delivered by a Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael led government.

“To those who voted for change, I say this – do not give up.

“The future is still there to be won.

“Sinn Féin will never give up because we believe that we are within touching distance of a better Ireland.

“Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil can delay change, but they cannot stop it.”