Get Out and Vote

Wednesday 23 February 2011

The time for in-depth political analysis is over. The time for televised leader debates is over. The time for politicians to kiss babies and tell us what they think we want to hear is over.

Now is decision time

We’ve heard what they had to say on bank bailouts, the EU/IMF deal, reform of the healthcare system, cuts to social welfare rates and to the minimum wage. We’ve heard why each of the parties is essential to the ‘public interest’. We’ve heard what they plan to do if they get elected.

Now, it’s their time to hear us.

The Mandate News Election 2011 sets out exactly where the different parties stand on issues vital to the interests of Mandate members like protecting and creating jobs, restoring the National Minimum Wage, protection of wage rates and conditions, protection of social welfare benefits, legislating for collective bargaining rights and access to healthcare based on need. What emerges is a very clear picture of what certain parties in Government would mean to Mandate members.

It is clear that the policies of the past decade and a half have brought the State to its knees. Any return to the parties who presided over this unmitigated disaster would mean more of the same and frankly it’s not an option worth considering.

On the other hand, voting for those who have recently dressed themselves up as parties of change will not achieve progress either. Scratch the surface of their gloss and spin and you will find parties that have no real interest in social change, in tackling inequality in health care, education, housing, income or workers rights.

In order for our interests to be represented, we must vote for people who share these interests. Progressive independents and parties of the broad political left have been shown to be concerned about such issues. But these people and parties will only get an opportunity to shape policy if we give them our votes.

However making sure that your vote is counted isn’t all you can do. In order to harness our collective power we have to make sure as many people as possible make it to the ballot box. That means making sure everyone you live with votes, talking to your work colleagues about whether they’re going to vote and phoning your relatives to ensure they are using their vote.

There is a real alternative and there is a better, fairer way. For the first time since the founding of the State, there is now the prospect of electing a government which supports social solidarity, workers’ rights and a decent income for all. So whatever else you’re doing on Friday, 25th February 2011 make sure you’re playing your part in Irish history. Get out and Vote Left.