Attacks on Benefit Claimants 'Disgraceful' - RSF

national | worker & community struggles and protests | press release Friday March 06, 2009 14:41 by Richard Walsh - Republican Sinn Féin tiocfaidh at btinternet dot com +44-7835 620 592 / +353-87 261 8603

Remarks made by Fianna Fáil's Mary Hanafin today and by Fine Gael's Joe McHugh in the recent past that cross-border dole claimants should be targeted amounts to an attack on the least well-off, a spokesman for Republican Sinn Féin has said.

Remarks made by Fianna Fáil's Mary Hanafin today and by Fine Gael's Joe McHugh in the recent past that cross-border dole claimants should be targeted amounts to an attack on the least well-off, a spokesman for Republican Sinn Féin has said.

Derry-based Director of Publicity, Richard Walsh, said that it was sad but unsurprising that the political establishment in Leinster House wished to criminalise those reliant on social welfare payments to survive.

“Instead of criticising the English government for the pittance paid to those signing on the brew (Stg £60.50 per week for over-25s, paid fortnightly in arrears) by the DHSS in the Six Occupied Counties, the two major parties in the 26-Counties both see fit to criminalise their fellow countrymen and countrywomen who are attempting to survive the current economic storm.

“The irony of this disgraceful stance appears to be lost on those styling themselves the 'Republican Party' and the 'United Ireland Party' respectively.

“Whilst the failed bankers continue to pocket obsene bonuses, the most vulnerable in society are those who will feel the full force of the State,” he said.

ENDS