Lim Launch Now Is A Time For Co-Operation Not Politics Government Needs To Listen To Alternatives – Sean Kelly Calls For The Establishment Of A European Community Investment Fund
Thursday April 2nd: Sean Kelly Fine Gael candidate in Ireland South called on the Taoiseach and his government to listen to Fine Gael and others and show true commitment to stemming current job losses that have seen the live register soaring to 372,800 to date with the likelihood of that number rising to 450,000 by the year end. Kelly made the call as he officially launched his campaign at Thomond Park Limerick. Kelly has also called for the setting up of a European Community Investment Fund (ECIF) to fund facilities at a community level to provide sport, childcare, elderly care and other programmes for children and adults across our communities. The ECIF would be funded by the European Union and would be available to all member states, with funds distributed and applied for through relevant government departments. This would be a new body that would solely deal with community organisations, groups or clubs. Kelly said, “While I recognise the Task Force that is being headed up by Denis Brosnan I think the government need to go further. Fine Gael has offered the government a plan ‘Rebuilding Ireland’ that is designed to support business and help in the necessary retraining of workers. One in ten people are now on the dole, this situation is unsustainable and if it is allowed to continue Ireland will find it very difficult to bring itself out of this crisis.” Kelly went on to say, “As well as focussing on jobs and the economy we must not forget our communities. We saw last week the European Investment Bank (EIB) offering much needed funds for SME’s to develop their business. This is important for our economy as we need to stimulate innovation and create job opportunities. However, it is also important that we do not concentrate solely on economic matters we must also look to our communities and ensure that they are not left behind in these times of financial constraint.” Kelly continued, “Coming from the GAA I know how important it is to have strong community based organisations. The Celtic Tiger brought a lot of things to Ireland but one of the things it has neglected is our communities. We all know that hard times are here, and that we will all have to take the pain to ensure that we come out of this but if we come out of it with poor and in some cases nonexistent communities where will we be? The CIB could help us to develop multi-code multi-functional facilities and complimentary supports such as coaching, teaching and care support in communities across the country that would see people young and old spending time together taking part in sport, theatre or simply having a game of cards.” Kelly feels the ECIF would need between €1bn and €2bn to be effective with no one member state receiving more than €150million in any one year. Funds would be applied for through the relevant government agency or department in member states. Kelly plans to develop and discuss this proposal on a visit to Brussels on April 20th. Kelly made the call as he officially launched his campaign at Thomond Park where he was joined by TD’s, Councillors, Candidates and over 300 members as well as a host of sports stars new and old from all codes. ENDS: Issued on behalf of Sean Kelly. For further information please contact David Mc Carthy 086 662 0448.
