Paul Lawless
Mayo · Aontú · Ireland
“Confidence in our education system depends on quality resources but parents remain seriously concerned about inappropriate material that is being promoted in our schools, libraries, etc. Concerns have been raised in relation to the book What's the T?”
“They would make up a higher proportion of the membership of the Dáil than is the case at Westminster. Aontú's leader, Deputy Peadar Tóibín, during his time on the Oireachtas enterprise committee, completed the first Oireachtas report on the all-island economy.”
“Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace — respect for diversity. Aontú believes fundamentally in a united Ireland.”
“It is important that those who oppose a united Ireland - who are now a minority on this island, and increasingly so - are treated as equals and with the respect they deserve in the discussions relating to a united Ireland. I have good friends from the Protestant tradition to whom I speak on a near daily basis.”
“The Tánaiste once said that he wanted to make Ireland the best country in the world in which to raise a child. He is failing in that regard. We have a situation where we have record homelessness among children, spinal surgery waiting lists and children with special needs or disabilities who are waiting for supports.”
“Rather than celebrating and respecting our differences and our right to be different politically or religiously, they wish to make us all the same. They want to make us all apolitical atheists who never speak on or campaign in respect of the issues.”
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“I was elected by young couples who cannot afford to rent, buy or build in the communities in which they grew up. For them, I take this job seriously. I came here to work, to challenge this Government and hold it to account and to offer positive and proactive solutions over the years ahead. What is the first thing the Government has done? It has voted for further delay. Delays, it seems, are the order of the day in housing, infrastructure and healthcare. If delays were an Olympic sport, this Government would certainly bring home gold. The people of Mayo and, indeed, the entire country deserve better than excuses and inaction. They deserve a Government that shows up and shows the urgency the Tánaiste speaks of. I congratulate the Cabinet and my constituency colleague Deputy Calleary. I look forward to working with the Government.”
“It is nearly two months since the people of this country went to the polls. I stand here today humbled by the trust and faith the people of Mayo have put in me. Thousands of people elected me to speak for them and yet today is my first opportunity to do so. It took two months to form a Government when it is effectively the same Government. There has been no real change of Government. It was voted today that there would be another break of two weeks. TDs, it seems, get more holidays than junior infants. While Ireland waits, this Government delays. I was elected by farmers who work day and night to keep food on their tables but who can hardly keep their heads above water. I was elected by parents who have not seen their children in years because they were forced to emigrate for a better future.”