Fine Gael helped fuel homeless

THE plight of homeless Terry O’reilly has proved once again Irish people are big-hearted and help the disadvantaged.

Their generosity and concern for the ex-soldier is in total contrast to a Government that has failed miserably to help those who desperately need accommodation.

Indeed, Fine Gael’s failure to provide social and affordable housing has exacerbated the growing homelessness crisis.

Since Terry’s ordeal was revealed in the Irish Mirror many readers have offered her shelter and one generous man has also given her an opportunity of temporary work.

The Taoiseach tweeted yesterday “housing is of real concern to people right across the country, including those not directly affected”, which has to be the most blatant case of stating the obvious in recent years.

Leo Varadkar then went on to say what his Government was going to do about it.

He added there will be 20,000 homes built this year, repeating what he said on Wednesday.

Leo obviously forgets he told the Dail on last month that about 30,000 to 35,000 houses are needed every year which means there is a shortfall of up to 15,000 properties.

This failure to properly address this growing crisis will see pressure mount on Fine Gael as the public now realise that should their circumstances change they too could easily end up like Terry.