News Release Claiming Our Future: ‘Enough’ Ireland needs a Plan B
Tuesday 26 June 2012
Claiming Our Future today launched ‘Plan B’ a recovery plan that will deliver much needed jobs and protection of vital public services.
Speaking at the launch, Claiming Our Future spokesperson, Rory Hearne said ‘We have reached crisis point. The budget is looming and if we want to avoid further devastation now is the time to act’. He went on to say ‘unemployment is at historic high levels and a generation of young people are facing years of dole queaues and forced emigration. This is a situation we are not prepared to accept.’
Mary Murphy said ‘austerity is failing to deliver the results promised. Plan B offers a workable and realistic alternative. Plan B identifies sources of investment to create jobs. It proposes tax reform that will ensure that those with the most pay the most and it prioritises public services that our families and community rely on’.
Mr Hearne said ‘we have been led to believe by the powers that be that we have no choice. This is simply not true. We have the capacity within our existing resources to change direction. It is about how resources are used and distributed that really matters’ he went on to say.
‘It is morally and economically wrong to pursue an approach which is not only making recovery less likely but is forcing vulnerable individuals and families to bear the disproportionate burden of cuts and pain’ said Ms Murphy. ‘Leadership is key and Claiming Our Future is standing up for a society that is just and fair, a society that uses its available resources responsibly and a society where people have an income that allows them live with dignity’ she said.
‘We want the Irish public including those who have been forced to leave this country to know that there are options for recovery, that we have real choices and that we the people have a right to demand solutions that work in our collective interest. Mr Hearne concluded by saying ‘we need a national conversation about Plan B and encourage people to show their support by signing the online petition, by organising discussions in their homes, workplaces and communities and by letting their political representatives know how they feel.
Dr. Rory Hearne, Claiming Our Future, Community Regeneration Worker
Fergus Finlay, C.E.O. of Barnardos
Dr. Mary Murphy, Claiming Our Future, Lecturer NUIM
Leanne Caulfield, Honorary President, Irish Second Level Students’ Union
Tom Healy, Director, Nevin Economic Research Institute (personal capacity)
Claiming our Future is a movement of individuals and organisations trying to bring about a society based on the values of equality, environmental sustainability, participation, accountability and solidarity. It is broad-based and non party-political. Details of Plan B can be found at http://www.claimingourfuture.ie/
