Independent Seanad candidate, Alice-Mary Higgins has today urged all those with a Seanad ballot paper to use it as every vote will count in setting the policy agenda for the next Seanad.
Ballot papers for the NUI Seanad elections should be signed, witnessed and posted by Friday or Monday to reach Dublin before close of poll is 11am Tuesday 26 April. If someone in your house has not yet collected their ballot paper, now is the time to reunite them with it!
“As a national house, the Seanad should represent all of the nation. I have for many years, campaigned for reform, suppporting proposals for universal sufferage legislative proposals such as those put forward by Senator Fergal Quinn. However, it is crucial it that those who do have a vote, use it to elect progressive, reforming candidates. With such a small electorate, every vote will count in shaping the agenda for the next Seanad. In asking for a number one vote or highest preference, I am offering a strong track record in social and economic equality and a commitment to bringing care and long term thinking into the heart of political decision making,” she said.
“We need to plan for the future by investing in the childcare, homecare and public services that allow people of all ages to participate fully in society. I hope to be raising these issues in the chamber and in the committee system and putting forward real proposals for change. Meeting with young people passionate about social inclusion and with older people seeking a rights based approach to Alzheimer’s or dementia I am stuck by their vision and creativity. Many of them cannot vote for the Seanad, but I am asking those who can, to give me the opportunity to make sure these concerns and ideas are being heard at the policy table,” Ms Higgins concluded.
