Local FF figure joins group of 50 councillors against new Programme for Government

A Roscommon Fianna Fail councillor has joined over 50 fellow party councillors to form a new campaigning group to defeat the proposed Programme for Government (PfG) negotiated by Fine Gael, the Green Party and the leadership of Fianna Fáíl.

The group, calling itself Fairer Future, says it has 1,000 Fianna Fáil signed up to campaign against the deal.

It says it had feared since the start of this process that a continuation of status quo politics would be acceptable to those negotiating this agreement and the publication of the PfG had confirmed these fears.

Cllr Orla Leyden said, ‘I am really disappointed to see that this PfG is just a series of reheated policies. The decision is now in our hands. It is no exaggeration to say that the future of our movement is at stake. So too are our values of equality of opportunity, good housing, protecting the vulnerable and the prioritisation of education. These issues, and so many more, are on the ballot paper. We know that this is a difficult decision for members across the country. It was only after much thought and discussion that I have decided to urge you, our fellow party members, to Vote NO and reject this deal.’

Fairer Future says that after nine years of Fine Gael rule Ireland needs real change.

The group says the PfG will not deliver change. It will do nothing to address the quality of life issues facing so many people in Ireland.

“We’ve seen the reality of Fine Gael in Government and we don’t believe Fianna Fáil should sign up to a deal that means a continuation of the status quo on housing and rural life. This is not what people voted for,” a spokesperson said.