Today I gave an interview to the Sunday Times Newspaper.
It was about my reaction as a stay at home mother to the 2010 Irish budget released yesterday. In Particular, to the decision to cut more then 10% from the children's allowance.
A decision which was fought tooth and nail by a small but devoted group of Irish parents who over the last 8 months campaigned tirelessly for all of our nation's children.
They collected over 15,000 signatures, gave countless interviews, hounded their TD's, handed out flyers, set up websites and marched in the streets.
They also held down jobs, ran homes and generally got on with the day to day business of raising their families.
So what was my reaction?
Well, for starters, I'm disgusted by a government which values gambling and booze over it's children and those who care for them.
However, so long as there are parents out there like Irish Mammy and the men and Women of PACUB who are willing to stand up for what they believe in, I will not lose hope.
On behalf of our children,
Thanks.
Thank you Maria for standing up for your children, at least you can look them in the eye and say I fought for you with every fibre of my being.
ReplyDeleteFunny that men run this country and the priorities are saving trees (yes they are also investing in trees), dogs, horses, booze and car dealerships. The kids can sink. Child poverty will never be tackled in this country because local TDs are getting brown paper bags for local issues - this will be the ruination of Ireland. One has swung a deal for his vote in return for a hospital in Kenmare!
Good luck to Kenmare but a TD is there to voice his opinion and to give his better judgement for the good of the Irish people not for the benefit of the local backyard.
I am beyond sickened - this country is not yet 80 years old, it has alot of learning to do but already it has forgotten its people and standing up for those who are unable to stand up for themselves. I am ashamed to be Irish at this very moment.