On the back of a stand-out performance from the Green Party’s Saoirse McHugh on Primetime last night, the party are calling on voters to be brave and vote Green in Friday’s European and local elections.Councillor Ciarán Cuffe, MEP candidate for Dublin, said:“This is the climate change election. We are facing a serious crisis. People understand that. We know we have to take action in our daily lives. In Europe I will work to make it easier for people to take that action.Climate change, plastic pollution, and nature loss are some of the growing concerns that have defined this election. The Green Party are calling on those who care about this and want strong action on these issues to give Green candidates their number 1 vote this Friday."Europe can help us make the right choices in energy, in transport, in housing. European legislation can help release the funding to tackle our housing crisis. I want Europe to help us deliver an A-energy rating for all council housing. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and tackles fuel poverty. European action can also ensure we invest in walking, cycling and better public transport.“We need to be realistic, and we need to be ambitious, we need to act, now. Young leaders like Greta Thunberg have shown us the ‘fierce urgency of now’. We all have a huge responsibility to younger generations to act boldly and act now. Large polluters have to do heavy lifting, but Government also has to take action.“The future of Europe hangs in the balance. The future of the Planet hangs in the balance. Your vote can make the difference. Vote Europe, Vote Local, Vote Climate, Vote Green. This Friday, make a plan to cast your vote and be the difference."Catherine Martin TD, Green Party Deputy Leader, said:“Our message today is that your vote can make the difference.“Your vote can bring the climate action that we need. We have 12 years to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. No more time can be wasted. Ireland cannot wait. Ireland needs to go green. I believe, and we feel it on the doors, that Ireland wants to go green. But there is no point thinking green, there is no point hoping for green, we’re asking you to vote green.“If you want green, vote green.”Eamon Ryan TD, Green Party Leader, said:“We feel we have a chance in Dublin, we have a chance in Ireland South and I would put it to you, anyone who watched the debate last night, we have a chance in Midlands North West.“Only 20% of 18 to 30-year-olds voted in the last European elections, that has to change on Friday. We want those young people to get out and vote. Vote for climate, vote for community, vote for change, vote Green.Cllr Roderic O’Gorman, Director of Elections for the Green Party, said:“I want to mention the 82 candidates we are fielding across the country they are the ones that allow us to implement the solutions on climate, on housing, on public transport and on biodiversity.“These are the solutions we have been working on and advocating for the 37 years of the Green Party.”ENDS
Issued 22nd May 2019, uploaded 3rd June 2019