‘FG and FF have enabled worst crises in housing and health for a generation’ – Kilkenny TD

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have presided over and “enabled the worst crises we’ve seen in housing and health for a generation,” Kilkenny TD Kathleen Funchion has said .

Speaking after it was confirmed the county will go to the polls on Saturday, February 8, the Sinn Féin candidate for Carlow-Kilkenny said her party is determined to break the FG-FF duopoly in Irish political life.

And she hit out at statements from both Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál that they would not enter into a coalition with Sinn Féin.

“I reject the idea that Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin can dictate that we or our voters are not good enough for government,” said Deputy Funchion.

“In government, Sinn Féin would deliver the biggest council housing building programme in the history of the State, bring about real change in the health service, and give families and workers a break.

“No family should have to pay a second mortgage or second rent in childcare fees or for providing their children with an education.”

Deputy Funchion insisted her party can provide a real alternative in government, with “real solutions”.

She added: “We are the party that stands up for workers and families, that champions fairness and equality and that works hard in our communities every day to build a better Ireland.

“We are the only party with a chance to make a real impact against the establishment politics of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in the next election, and we will demonstrate that throughout the upcoming election campaign.”