ClLr Gino O’Boyles Newsletter
Mother And baby homes
This new pamphlet by Willie Cumming, with contributions by Deirdre Wadding and Cllr. Gino O’Boyle, examines the Mother and Baby Homes story and makes the case for the separation of Church and State.
While there is no doubt that Ireland was a harsh, judgemental, and misogynistic society, the Commission of Investigation on the Mother and Baby Homes suggests responsibility rests “mainly with the fathers of their children and their immediate families”.
This view completely avoids engaging with how such a society developed. The foundation of the Homes was encouraged and sustained by the authorities of both State and Church.
Price €3.50 including free postage and packaging.
I am pleased to say that my council Motion has passed.
“VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS DESERVE A PUBLIC INQUIRY NOW”
My colleague in Stormont MLA Gerry Carrol pointing out that women in the North and South have a shared injustice and must all receive justice.
Speaking after the Stormont Executive announced an independent investigation into the mother and baby homes and Magdalene laundries between 1922 and 1990, Gerry Carroll MLA said insisted that the demand for a full public inquiry should be met and that victims should not be forced to wait for justice:
“The horrific history of the Mother and Baby Homes and the Magdalene Laundries is a devastating example of the abuse and neglect that was institutionalised here.
“Such cruelty existed in both religious run and state “homes” and was often a direct result of the repressive relationship between Church and state.
“The announcement of an investigation today is a step forward for victims and campaigners, but it doesn’t go far enough. We must see a robust and thorough public inquiry and a real effort to get justice for victims and survivors.
“The powerful and wealthy institutions who are responsible must be held to account for their crimes including banished babies, serious physical and mental abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse and violence. Where necessary, moves must be made to seize their assets in order to provide compensation to survivors.
“Victims have spent years exposing the long catalogue of abuses which were rooted in a cruel culture of repression and misogyny. They should not have to wait any longer for the public inquiry that could deliver the justice and compensation they deserve.
.Reverse the cruel Rent Increases During a Health, Housing and Ecnomic Crisis.
No To Rent Hikes, Yes To A Vacant Property Tax
I Recently proposed a deferral of all council rent increases and was shocked to see the majority of Councilors use voting tricks to hide there cowardice behind the unelected CEO, knowing well their vote to pass the budget would result in significant rent increases for 3000 people which will indirectly affect up to 5000 people.
This will be a cruel burden on tenants on HAP and RAS and see some rents increased by 35 euro a week.
What we did.
Myself and our team knocked on thousands of doors and got thousands of signatures against the rent hikes and i thank you for your support.
We did initially successfully forced the council to stop the rent increase once before and i will continue to fight against this unnecessary burden to already hard pressed tenants.
Our Alternative To Rent Hikes.
I have proposed alternatives like a vacant site tax and vacant property tax that could easily raise revenue for Sligo Co Council, but it is clear Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Independent Alliance once again have shown how out of touch they are with people who are struggling in a housing crisis and a pandemic!
Elected councilors are supposed to be there to help the people, not add to their problems.
What You Can Do.
Get involved , as the saying goes if you want something done properly we often need to do it ourselves and together we are stronger, just like The water charges movement.
Talk to your neighbours, family and friends, share our social media posts, our solutions and alternatives , email your local councilors, keep up to date with all council meetings and what way councilors are voting and i will continue to be your voice in the council chamber.
We must continue to let them know we will not forget what they have done to already vulnerable tenants when they needed them most. -
I believe a home is a necessary human right , just like healthcare and education and that right must be put into the constitution.
I will continue to fight for everyone to have access to a quality affordable home and to be a voice for the needy not the greedy.
Our proposals.
1 Vacant site tax
2 Reverse the cruel council rent hikes in a pandemic and recession.
3 For a complete ban on evictions while this pandemic lasts
4 Bring in proper rent controls that allow for rent reductions
5 Use public land for social and affordable homes.
6 Freeze mortgage payments for those in financial distress