BREE HAS BEEN A CONSTANT SINCE ELECTION IN 1974
HE’S one of Sligo’s longest serving politicians so his hat is always in the ring come election time be it local or national.
First elected to the Borough Council and County Council in 1974 he’s been an ever present since, always polling well.
Being independent meant he has been overlooked when it came to electing mayors and cathaoirleachs but he did manage to become Mayor of Sligo once in 1974 and Chairman of the County Council, also for one term in 1986.
An independent socialist he was a one term TD for the Labour Party from 1992 to 1997, an election often referred to as the Spring Tide after popular party leader at the time, Dick Spring.
Independents are still rated highly in the opinion polls and if Sligo/ Leitrim’s voters reflect this then come polling day Bree has to be a consideration.
Last time out in 2011 his first preference was 5.1% - down from the height of 17.2% in 1992.
However, Bree has been nothing but a consistent campaigner and states bluntly that if people want change they must vote for it. “Five years ago people voted for change but unfortunately they got more of the same. If people are serious about change on this occasion, it is vitally important that they examine the policies and more so the record of those who are asking for their vote.”
He says many people want to vote for independents.
“However, the reality is that numerous independents will have no difficulty propping up the very same politicians who are implementing austerity. I can point to independents that support the imposition of the household tax while at the same time they oppose an increase in tax on the billions of Euro profits accumulated by multinationals. I can point to independents that support the imposition of water charges. I can point to independents that are so backward that they refuse to even support the minimum demands of the National Women’s Council.
“How can these independents claim to be seeking change?” he asks. “Those of us who seek real change and who have been involved in the anti- austerity movement believe that society can be organised in a different way, a better way, where the interests of the people are centre stage – the right to housing, a job with decent pay and conditions, access to healthcare when you’re sick, and a pension when you retire.
“In the current Dail, it is TD’s such as Clare Daly, Thomas Pringle and Joan Collins, who are the real opposition and who have consistently opposed the policies of austerity.”