FG candidate attacks Sinn Féin’s manifesto
Catherine Callaghan of Fine Gael
GLARING omissions in its manifesto show Sinn Féin’s “lack of commitment to older people in Carlow and Kilkenny” suggested Fine Gael general election candidate Catherine Callaghan.
Catherine, a former carer for her elderly parents, said the absence of any plans to enhance vital supports like the living alone allowance, fuel allowance, free travel pass, or household benefit package, show Sinn Féin’s total disregard for pensioners.
“Our older people in Carlow/Kilkenny have worked hard all their lives. They’ve raised families, contributed to our economy and helped build this country. Yet Sinn Féin has left them out in the cold in their manifesto,” she said.
“There’s no mention of the living alone allowance, a crucial support for pensioners who face the same household bills as couples, but on a single income. Fine Gael, in contrast, will increase this payment to €33 a week because we understand the challenges faced by those living alone.
“Shockingly, Sinn Féin has no proposals to address rising energy costs for pensioners. They would leave older people struggling to stay warm this winter. Fine Gael has significantly expanded the Fuel Allowance, increasing eligibility for those over 66. A couple earning up to €1,048 a week will now qualify, making a real difference for households in Carlow.
“Under our Older Person’s Guarantee, Fine Gael expanded the household benefit package to cover all over-66 households, providing €35 a month off their energy bills. That’s a saving of €420 a year for pensioners dealing with the cost of living,” said Catherine.
“Sinn Féin has also ignored the Free Travel Pass. This is a vital support, and Fine Gael will go further by introducing a companion pass for all over-70s in 2025, allowing them to bring a friend or family member on public transport for free.
“When it comes to the state pension, Sinn Féin proposes just a €10 annual increase. Fine Gael will do better, increasing weekly payments by at least €12 a year to bring the state pension to €350 a week during the next government term,” said Catherine.
“Fine Gael has a proven track record of supporting pensioners through cost-of-living pressures in Carlow and Kilkenny. In recent months alone, we’ve delivered a double pension payment in October, a €300 fuel allowance lump sum, an additional €200 for those living alone and another double payment to all pensioners in December.
“Older people in Carlow/Kilkenny and beyond deserve better than Sinn Féin’s neglect. Fine Gael will continue to prioritise pensioners, providing the targeted supports they need to live with dignity, comfort and security,” concluded Catherine.
