'Boxer' makes first speech in Dáil Éireann

Almost eight months after being elected as a TD, Athlone’s Kevin 'Boxer’ Moran made his first speech in Dáil Éireann yesterday (Tuesday).

The Independent Alliance representative thanked the voters of Longford - Westmeath for electing him, saying it was “an honour and a privilege” to be a member of the 32nd Dáil.

“Over the years the constituency has been honoured by the calibre of its public representatives who have graced this chamber. I sincerely hope that I can continue that proud history of serving the public to the best of my ability,” he said.

He also expressed his appreciation to his wife, Michelle, and sons, Jamie and John, for their help and support since he became involved in politics.

The majority of his speech focused on the recent Budget, stating that its “key element” was a €1.3bn increase in spending from the public purse.

He said this would lead to the hiring of around 4,500 frontline staff, such as nurses, Gardai, and teachers, in the coming months.

'Boxer’ also said rural Ireland would benefit from a number of measures in the Budget, such as a €25m Sheep Farmers’ Grant Scheme; a review and improvement of Farm Assist Payments; an increase in the cap for the Rural Social Scheme; and an increase in the allowance for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, to €12m.

He argued that the Independent Alliance had made “a significant and influential contribution” to shaping the Budget.

“With a strong group focus on ensuring that the vulnerable and sick in society are protected, the Independent Alliance is setting priorities where people and communities will come first,” he said.

“In general, can I say that we, as a society, now need to re-think how we do things. Since the economic crash, people have felt they are not getting a fair share of the opportunities and profits generated in society.

“There is now a great need to look at a new kind of social contract, where everyone plays their part and feels valued again,” he concluded.