Meath's Young Fine Gaelers back Higgins for Aras return

The Meath branch of Young Fine Gael today expressed their support for the campaign to re-elect Michael D Higgins as president on October 26th. In an internal poll of members, the branch overwhelmingly voted to endorse the sitting president.
Chairperson, and Fine Gael local area representative for Navan, Ross Kelly said: “Michael D has been an outstanding president, one we can all be proud of. Over the last seven years, and throughout his life, he has proven himself to be a caring and compassionate advocate for our people and a great ambassador both at home and abroad. In a time of great uncertainty, particularly around difficulties arising from Brexit, it is now more than ever that we need a strong and unifying voice leading our country, Michael D is that voice.”
Addressing why a Young Fine Gael branch is endorsing a 77 year old former Labour Party Minister, Ross said: “It’s not just us, hundreds of thousands of young people across Ireland are hugely fond and supportive of Michael D, I think it’s because he is representative of a changing Ireland. While he is nearly four times our age, he shares, and has fought for, many of the views young people currently hold in Ireland for decades. The calibre of the other candidates only further proves that Michael D is the only person to lead this country for the next seven years. While he might be small in stature, Michael D will be well able for the Dragons.”
Meath YFG also committed to a number of canvasses over the next few weeks, particularly with local Minister Regina Doherty, who has been appointed as campaign organiser for Fine Gael’s Campaign to Re-elect President Michael D Higgins.

Michael D Higgins has today launched details of a new presidential initiative aimed at supporting equality and participation which will highlight the barriers to participation that many individuals still face in Irish society, and encourage institutions to work harder to deliver inclusion.

If he is re-elected on 26th October, Michael D Higgins plans a series of events, in the first six months of his second term, which will bring people together from some of the most marginalised and disadvantaged communities in Ireland to speak directly about participation. It will focus on their rights and experiences, as well as the supports available, obstacles faced and changes needed. Following this, public and private institutions will also be invited to reflect on how they can better foster inclusion and participation, in areas like disability access and universal design.

Speaking about the background to the initiative, Higgins said: “The experience of the Presidency has given Sabina and I an ever deeper insight into the lives of Irish families and communities.  People have shared with us their hopes, ambitions, and concerns and their deep desire for greater participation. 

“If we wish to achieve the immense potential of Ireland and all our people, we need to honestly address the very real and often painful barriers to participation. Barriers such as exclusion, isolation and inequality in all its forms.

“This new initiative will provide space to individuals to talk about the supports they need to participate fully, and for institutions to reflect on their role in building an inclusive society. Achieving equality is not just about opportunities for the individual, but also how we change our spaces and our systems to foster and encourage inclusion.”

Rex Lee, an author, filmmaker and disability campaigner from Kells, welcomed the initiative. “Participation in the public space is always important, because otherwise you don’t feel like a full citizen. People with disabilities are often a lone voice, but a really interesting and important voice that needs to be heard. I really welcome Michael D’s efforts to make that happen," he said.

The year-long initiative will conclude in a national forum bringing together individuals, communities and institutions to share their perspectives and proposals, and a report outlining strategies and opportunities for achieving greater equality of participation.