A Message from Micheál Martin TD 6Th May 2020 This Is a Stressful Time for Everyone in Our Country and I Hope That You and Your Family Are Safe
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A Message From Micheál Martin TD 6th May 2020 This is a stressful time for everyone in our country and I hope that you and your family are safe. The first priority at the moment must continue to be to limit the spread of the pandemic and to do everything possible to help those who need help. Today and tomorrow, Dáil Éireann is discussing a wide range of issues concerning both the response to the pandemic and what steps should be taken to begin removing restrictions. As a result of pressure from Fianna Fáil, this week will be the first time that proper questions to members of the government will be restored. Our spokespersons will be both debating measures in the chamber and tabling a wide range of questions to all departments. Later this week, a full update on this will be circulated. On Sunday, the Green Party’s parliamentary party voted to enter into negotiations on formulating a programme for government. This was on the basis of the Framework Document circulated previously and clarifications about a number of policies in areas such as climate change and housing. I believe Fianna Fáil can be satisfied with the extent to which our policy priorities are reflected in what has been agreed to date. I know that this can be frustrating for many, but our approach from the start has been not to look to manage the daily news cycle or to brief about our demands – but instead to focus on substantive discussions and the achievement of a programme which reflects our party’s priorities. On housing, health, community supports, social spending, education and other Fianna Fáil priorities, what is being discussed would mark a real change in the direction of public policy if it is implemented. Similarly, important developments in relation to Northern Ireland, Europe and our Defence Forces are now on the table. In relation to climate change and the environment, all of our manifestos in recent years have proposed more urgent action. Our point has always been that we have to help groups which are today fearful of the impact which a transition to a low-carbon economy could have for them. There will be no lasting progress on climate unless we have an agenda which helps all communities. This was why, for example, we insisted on the funding of Barry Cowen’s proposal for a Just Transition Fund to help communities hit by the closure of certain power plants – and why the Fund is a model for future action. I believe that this approach is understood and that we can develop an agenda where Ireland can become a world-leader on solving a worldwide problem. There have continued to be meetings of the Parliamentary Party and I, and the members of the negotiating team, have been holding extensive daily phonecalls with party representatives and officers in every part of the country. These will continue. Fianna Fáil’s focus has been on trying to build a broad but sustainable consensus on the full range of issues which face our country. There are no easy political options facing us. Every available route forward carries potential downsides. What we in Fianna Fáil have – uniquely of all parties – is that our founding spirit is one which was based on recognising the need for new agendas to tackle new problems. The things which we have always drawn the most pride from have been our initiatives on challenges such as clearing the slums through social housing programmes, opening up education, enacting a republican constitution and bringing Ireland into the heart of Europe. In moving forward with these negotiations, it is the substance of what is proposed that will be our focus. We are very conscious of the enormous pressures on the Irish people currently due to the health crisis and consequential economic crisis. Our people are worried about their health and that of their loved ones as a result of Covid 19. Businesses employing thousands of people need a new government formed to bring in the legislation that will allow for supports and access to credit schemes. This is needed to save jobs. A new government is also needed to produce a National Economic Plan to reboot and restore the Irish economy. The Irish people are, quite rightly, impatient for matters to move on. Yesterday, I met with Leo Varadkar TD and Eamon Ryan TD and we have agreed a process to commence negotiations on a proposed programme for government. We are also replying to correspondence received from the Leader of the Labour party and the Co-Leaders of the Social Democrats. In the event of a draft programme for government being completed, then we, in Fianna Fáil, will take our internal party decision. I want to assure you that our membership will be involved in this process throughout and will have the opportunity to consider and vote on any such Programme. This will be the first time our party members will have their say on a proposed Programme for Government: an initiative I introduced. In the meantime, I encourage you to contact us with your suggested priorities for any Programme for Government, suggestions which will greatly assist myself and our negotiating team in our endeavours. I want to again thank the members of the party throughout the country who have taken the time to send us their constructive ideas and comments. Please continue to send us this feedback. Micheál Martin T.D. Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil .