Bishop’s health and housing plea in election message
BISHOP of Kerry Ray Browne, has rowed into the election debates, urging politicians and voters to take into consideration a number of issues – including housing and health – in the forthcoming election.
In a statement from the Diocese of Kerry, Bishop Browne said that everyone should work together for the common good of the country.
“Let us resolve to work together for the common good of all, with a special care for those in need,” he said.
Among the issues that must be considered is a ‘ living wage’ for everyone, as well as housing for all given the ‘grave’ shortage of housing stock in the country.
Access to hospital care and the needs of the rural community must also be a priority, he said.
The Bishop of Kerry also urged people to come out and vote in Kerry.
He also offered each of the candidates the best of luck on February 8 and urged everyone to treat them with respect.
“Best wishes to each candidate putting their name forward to be elected to a seat in the Dáil. What each is doing is vital for democracy. There is a need to appreciate that our democracy has served us well in the past decade, when you take into account both recovery from the collapse of the Celtic Tiger and Britain’s decision to leave the EU.
“We have come through difficult times. In the Dáil and throughout the land the atmosphere has remained quite healthy,” he said.
“The general election will fill all 160 seats in the upcoming thirty-third Dáil. May the TDs elected serve us well and may we in turn show them due respect and appreciation. It is my hope that the next few weeks will give us all a renewed sense that we are one united people and that we want everyone living in Ireland to have the opportunity to live a full life,” he concluded.