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Jobs Protest in Newbridge

17/08/10

Up to 30 people, including a number of éirígí activists, took part in a ‘Where are the Lisbon jobs now?’ demonstration in Newbridge town centre on Saturday, August 14. The demonstration was organised by the People’s Movement, which campaigns against the further federalisation of the EU and for the defence of sovereignty, democracy and social justice in Ireland.

People were out in response to the spiralling jobs crisis and to demand the jobs which were promised by the ‘Yes camp’ during last year’s re-run of the Lisbon referendum. The large turnout seems to reflect the concerns of the people County Kildare and Newbridge in particular which has been hit extremely hard by the economic downturn, the once prosperous jewel in the crown of ‘Celtic Tiger’ Ireland has become an unemployment black spot. ‘Yes’ posters from last year’s referendum promising jobs and prosperity were paraded and leaflets handed out, receiving a great response from the public.

Speaking afterwards local People’s Movement activist Barry Healy commented: “We are all aware of the jobs crisis and its devastating effects in this country and Newbridge in particular, it was communicated to us from people today. The yes vote didn’t halt this trend in fact it has accelerated, these promises were nothing more than a political con to engineer a Yes vote.”

Speaking further he added, “None of the major political parties appear to have a solution to the crisis. The current government is determined to spin that the recession is over but unemployment continues to rise into record figures, it seems their plan is to drive another generation to the four corners of the world. Why should we be forced to go? We deserve better.”

This is one of many such demonstrations and public meetings planned for the coming months throughout Ireland by the People’s Movement.

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