DO NOT BE MISLED BY PEOPLE CLAIMING
THAT I AM SAFE.
I NEED YOUR NO.1
KEEP YOUR
LOCAL T.D.
VOTE LOWRY.
Archive for February, 2011
General Election 2011
21st February 2011This is a crucial general election. We are fortunate to live in a democracy and the right to vote is a right that should be cherished and exercised by all. I want to ask all the constituents in the North Tipperary and South Offaly constituency to come out and vote on Friday.
The most important issue in this campaign is undoubtedly the economy. This recession has caused huge difficulties for so many people everywhere in the country. Many people are suffering financial hardship, pain and anguish and find it almost impossible to comprehend, why and how our economy is in such a mess. Jobs have been lost, people are worried for the future of their children and themselves, there is a lack of confidence that is preventing spending and investment and the banking system continues to be a source of concern.
Our situation is so serious that people must realise when they go to vote that there are no easy options. There are no quick fix solutions. Hard decisions had to be taken in the last 3 years and I supported them because they were necessary to address the financial and economic crisis that befell us. More difficult decisions will have to be taken by the next government. Anybody who says otherwise is misleading the people. Everybody has had to make sacrifices as a result of the recent cutbacks and taxation increases and further pain will be experienced in the next three to four years. What is essential is that the impact of the tough decisions is spread fairly and the most vulnerable in our society protected. We need to recover our economic independence as quickly as possible but we must protect key frontline services in health, education and social welfare. We also need to stimulate the jobs market and get investment going again in our economy. To do this we need to elect responsible and capable Dáil deputies, who will act fearlessly in the interests of their constituents and the national interest.
You know my track record in securing investment and funding for Tipperary. You know my success in protecting essential services in health and education for this constituency. You also know my commitment to the national interest and ensuring that we take the decisions necessary to achieve economic recovery. I believe an independent and experienced voice such as mine will be an important voice in the next Dail if I am re-elected. Never have more TDs retired before an election and many more will lose their seats. New blood is important but in difficult times like these, there is no substitute for experience. Experience allied to hard-work and commitment to acting in the best interests of this constituency and the future of our country are what I am offering voters this Friday. There will be many Independent TDs elected to the next Dáil – I have the experience to take a leading role in bringing together like minded independents to support a government that will take the right decisions to achieve economic recovery and generate brighter prospects for the future.
I will need your number 1 vote to continue working for you and your future
Severe need for increased funding for suicide prevention and awareness services
15th February 2011I have today called upon Government to increase funding for suicide awareness and prevention services across the country. This follows information received from a number of professional sources highlighting the increased rate of suicide.
Earlier this month, the Offaly County Coroner Dr. Brian Mahon, while appearing at an inquest, flagged the urgent need for action to be taken to tackle the growing number of suicides. This was followed by subsequent reports in the media which stated that the rates of suicide for Old Age Pensioners are on the increase.
At the time I welcomed the suicide prevention measures set out in Budget 2011 but I believe that a coordinated and consistent emphasis on this topic must be fully resourced.
The recent Budget provided an additional funding to the Office for Suicide Prevention. This will assist to enable the Office build on its awareness initiatives and bring momentum and new impetus to its activities. I also welcome the fact that in order to further the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’, the exemption from the moratorium on recruitment was lifted to allow 100 psychiatric posts to be filled by nurses or therapists.
Every community has had to face the terrible blow that is a suicide. Everyone either directly or indirectly has experienced the sense of loss, pain and anguish following an untimely death. The prevalence of suicide is a major concern for our society.
For this reason I am seeking to ensure funding for suicide prevention remains in the forefront of the incoming Government policy. It is essential that they respect the proposals and plans set out in ‘A Vision for Change’. This report has, in practice, made a huge number of improvements to psychiatric care across the county. It is my intention to continue to put pressure on the Government in order to ensure that this most important issue remains on the agenda.