FINGAL councillor Cian O’Callaghan resigned from Labour last Friday, saying he profoundly disagreed with the party’s approach in Government.
The Howth/Malahide ward councillor said he stepped down because the Labour Party in Government had
“broken steadfast election commitments, implemented unfair and unjust policies and made choices that have benefited the rich and powerful at a huge cost to everyone else
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“I disagree profoundly with the Labour Party approach in Government in a long list of areas,
? he stated.
“I disagree with cuts in education and health; failure to increase taxation on those most able to contribute; failure to tax appropriately our oil and gas reserves; a soft approach to developers responsible for unfinished ghost estates, pyrite affected homes and derelict sites; a very tough approach on families struggling against home repossessions; and the pursuit of the Dutch model of healthcare privatisation, to name but a few areas.
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Cllr O’Callaghan added that the introduction of two budgets in a row that
“increased income inequality by targeting people on low and middle incomes was deeply unjust
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“This approach goes against what I believe is the very foundation of centre-left politics, which is to encourage more equal societies over time,
? he said.
Cllr O’Callaghan said he would now become an Independent councillor for the Howth/Malahide electoral area.