Ivana Bacik Launches Labour’s Election Campaign

Ivana Bacik Launches Labour's Election Campaign

• Labour leader highlights progressive values at the heart of campaign

• Outlines six key missions Labour will focus on

• Government involvement must involve radical programme for change

Ivana Bacik today launched Labour's general election campaign at an event in Dublin with her team of candidates.

Speaking at the launch Ivana Bacik highlighted the progressive values underlining Labour's. She said:

"Values matter in politics. They drive our ambition for Ireland and shape our policies. We are determined to see Labour's values of equality, fairness and decency shape the future of Ireland and we will be seeking the trust and support of the people to do just that.

"Never before have values been as important in an election campaign. In recent years, we have seen sinister forces seeking to sow division, turn neighbour against neighbour, and champion lies while denying the truth. We will always challenge those far-right forces - we will not pander to them. I am proud to lead a Party with that clarity and sense of purpose."

Deputy Bacik outlined Labour six core missions in this election, saying:

"I want to deliver:

• A sustainable Ireland - that protects and enhances our environment.

• A fairer Ireland - where every child has the best start in life.

• An equal Ireland - which rejects division, and values diversity

"To achieve this vision we will be campaigning in this election for six distinct missions for our country and our communities:

1. Housing - The civil rights issue of our generation. Our mission is to provide secure, affordable homes by building more than 50,000 new homes a year.

2. Work - Thousands of working people in Ireland are still in low pay, insecure employment or getting a bad deal. Our mission is to ensure that work is rewarding, safe, and secure.

3. Climate - Our mission recognizes that the climate crisis threatens the future of people and the planet. We will accelerate decarbonisation and provide sustainable solutions to benefit families and communities.

4. Cost of Living - Our mission is to provide better supports for families who are struggling to make ends meet and to give consumers the protection their need from price gouging global conglomerates.

5. Health - Our mission is to provide health and care services that are accessible, safe and available when people need them.

6. Children's Charter - Our mission is to ensure every child has the best start in life and for the State to take seriously its duty to support all children, especially those living in poverty.

"Over the coming weeks, we'll launch detailed, costed proposals on all these areas that together have the potential to bring real change."

Concluding the event Deputy Bacik outlined her Party's approach to any future government formation negotiations, underlining her ambition to form a progressive, left bloc with like minded parties before any engagement with other parties.

"We are excited about what Ireland can achieve in the next five years. And we are ready to play our part. We believe in our ambition. We believe that ambition is the best for Ireland and we want to be in government to achieve that.

"The Labour Party I lead will not 'make up the numbers' just to be in government. I won't countenance that. Following the election, I will seek, in the first instance, to agree a common platform among other left, progressive and green parties - parties serious about government and serious about the future.

"That way, we can have the strongest possible voice arguing for real, progressive change that people need and demanding that any or all of the larger parties meet our ambition. We must build better together."