Mary Lou says people will have a choice in the general election: “More of the same or something new and different”

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD said a general election cannot come soon enough, so that the people can have the choice who leads the next government. Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday, June 26 Deputy McDonald said: “We are now in the end game of this government. A government that marked the long awaited consummation of the Fine Gael Fianna Fail partnership; parties in government together since 2016; parties that have held power individually and together since the foundation of the state. Parties who above all else display a total commitment and belief to staying in power.”

“A general election is coming, and it cannot come soon enough,” said the Sinn Féin party leader. “As one minister moves on and another moves in, one thing is certain - everything will remain exactly the same. That is the present reality. That must change. “So the choice which will face the people at the next election is stark. A choice of more of the same, or something, new, different. The country has had enough of Fine Gael in power, enough of Fianna Fáil propping them up,” she added.

Ms McDonald said the ‘people’ will make their choice at the next general election. “Sinn Féin will make our case, and the people will make their choice. We have a great country and we can deliver so much better for people on things that matter. On housing. On health. On the opportunities to build a good life here – where housing is affordable, where healthcare is accessible, where the State has your back.”

If the current coalition between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party runs its full term, a general election must be held by March 22 next year.

Speculation is growing however that a general election might be held after this year’s budget.

Ms McDonald believes workers and families are ready for something new. “Sinn Féin offers a government that is on the side of workers and families. Opening the corridors of power to voices of ordinary people. New people with new ideas. Ready to prove ourselves, to prove we can deliver something better.

“We believe that workers and families are ready for something new – not a rejig in personnel which sees no change in policy. We can do so much better. Bring on the election, bring on the day on which people will have the choice who leads the next government,” she added.

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