'A vote for me is a vote that will make a real difference'

Pictured at the Glens Centre, Manorhamilton for the North Leitrim launch of Ms Harkin's campaign are Cllr James Gilmartin, Cllr Felim Gurn, Marian Harkin TD and Cllr Eddie Mitchell

placeholder image — Pictured at the Glens Centre, Manorhamilton for the North Leitrim launch of Ms Harkin's campaign are Cllr James Gilmartin, Cllr Felim Gurn, Marian Harkin TD and Cllr Eddie Mitchell

The TD says she will insist on improvements in services critical to family carers and disabled persons if re-elected to Dáil Éireann

Marian Harkin TD has said the situation of family carers and people with disabilities has been one of the driving factors in her decision to seek re-election to the Dáil as a TD for Sligo Leitrim and South Donegal.

As the campaign enters the final few days Ms Harkin said that if she is re-elected, she hopes to be in pole position to influence the formation of the new government and will use this position to champion the cause of carers, family carers and people with disabilities.

“I will insist on improvements in services critical to family carers and disabled persons. This will include abolishing the means test for the Carer’s Allowance and expanding home care and respite services to better support family carers. I will also make sure a cost-of-living disability allowance is on the agenda for the next government,” the Deputy said.

Describing childcare and eldercare in the country as in crisis, Deputy Harkin said “The inequality in funding levels that leave private nursing homes at a distinct disadvantage when compared to public nursing homes must be addressed. Meanwhile, childcare facilities in receipt of government subvention must be allowed to operate in a way that makes them financially viable while keeping childcare costs affordable for parents,” Deputy Harkin said.

Focusing on education Ms Harkin said she will pursue a reduced pupil-teacher ratio to align with the EU average, increased capitation grants for schools, and more support for the Atlantic Technological University (ATU). “I will also look for the reinstatement of teacher career pathways to support and retain skilled educators,” Ms Harkin said.

Marian Harkin with Cllr Enda Stenson on a recent canvass in Mohill

“After the election on Friday, if the opinion polls are to be believed, Independents like me will be crucial to government formation. I want to say to the voters of Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal that a vote for me is a vote that will make a real difference,” Deputy Harkin concluded.