Kelly should stop peddling populism

Sir — It is exasperating and wearisome in the extreme to observe Alan Kelly peddle the politics of populism and opportunism at his first Dail meeting since becoming leader of the Labour Party where he called for a €1,000 solidarity bonus for healthcare workers to be paid on May 1 (otherwise known as Labour Day).

implement this factional idea would seriously damage the character and attitude of our battle against coronavirus which, to date, has been almost entirely devoid of dissension and acrimony at all levels in our society, our institutions and in our workforce.

Firstly, what is the definition of a ‘healthcare worker’ in this unprecedented situation? For instance, are all employees in the HSE healthcare workers. Likewise, are Defence Forces cadets involved in contact tracing or

Aer Lingus flight crews involved in the logistics of transporting PPE healthcare workers?

On a wider basis, are the people who attend the checkout tills in our supermarkets and who are at risk from every shopper not to be included in this ‘show’ of solidarity? And in an overall sense, how does the principle of ‘we are all in this together’ fit with a focus on one, albeit arguably the most critical, constituency in this war?

Mr Kelly has the opportunity imminently to demonstrate some substantive solidarity by taking his party into coalition government where he can contribute in a lasting and meaningful way to healthcare workers and to all those on whom society is so dependant during this arduous and stressful time.

Michael Gannon,

St Thomas’ Sq, Kilkenny