Hopes and ambitions for 2021

A New Year message from Deputy Pauline Tully, Sinn Féin...

First, I want to wish everyone a very happy new year and I hope Christmas was enjoyable.

We have been through a tremendously difficult year and I hope this year we will see a return to some sort of normality where people will be able to mix freely without fear of becoming sick or causing a loved one to become very ill. The roll out of a vaccine is vitally important in allowing this to happen and this must be done in an efficient way where the most vulnerable are given priority.

While Covid has had a very negative impact on our country in the past year, we now have to face Brexit, which in whatever shape or form will not be good for Ireland.

A ‘no deal’ Brexit would have been a disaster, and thankfully a deal was agreed on Christmas Eve.

As Sinn Féin spokesperson for people with disabilities and carers, I would like to see the full implementation of the United Nations convention on the rights of people with disabilities and the ratification of the Optional Protocol on this convention. As a member of the Disability Matters committee, I intend to work constructively with my colleagues from all parties and none in ensuring that people with disabilities are treated equally. A fair deal for carers is vital also.

One of the biggest problems in Ireland and in Cavan is homelessness. People may not be aware of the level of homelessness in Cavan, but it is high.

It may not be visible on the streets like in some of our bigger towns and cities but there are many people who do not have a home and are living with a relative or a friend - perhaps sleeping in a box room or on the sofa and they are technically homeless. I hope the government roll out an ambitious house building plan, which is the only way to see an end to this dreadful problem.

I hope to see huge investment in health and particularly Mental Health services where waiting lists for vital services are the norm.

Waiting times for assessments for children with special needs must be shortened and the therapies required made available by the employment of additional specialised staff to ensure the needs of all our children are met at the earliest opportunity.

If there should be a General Election in 2021, as one never knows when this may occur, I hope to see Sinn Féin lead the next government by either having an overall majority or the biggest party in a left-leaning government. Lastly, I hope to see my club Crosserlough win the County Championship in football and camogie and for Cavan to win another SFC Ulster Title and progress from there.

Thanks you for all your support last year and I look forward to working with you in the coming year.