A by election to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Brian Lenihan is set for 27 October. The Socialist Party has selected Cllr Ruth Coppinger to contest it and will be undertaking a major campaign to win this seat.
For all those disgusted at the abuse of power by bankers, builders and right-wing politicians that has crashed the economy, the by election is a chance to strike back.
It could be turned into a referendum against the robbery of the bailouts and austerity started by Fianna Fail and now imposed by Labour and Fine Gael, including the threat to downgrade Blanchardstown Hospital by making its A&E part-time – a step towards closure. Electing Ruth Coppinger will be a major boost to the campaign against the household tax and water charges, taxes that will reach €1,200 in just a few years.
As a councillor for eight years, Ruth has been an excellent campaigner for communities in Dublin 15, taking a principled stance against developer-led planning and for community facilities. Ruth has played a key role in many national and local campaigns, including as Secretary of the Fingal Anti Bin Tax Federation; against the location of mobile phone masts at schools; on housing issues and for the protection of key green belts. Most recently, Ruth has worked with residents to get the Hansfield train station opened; fought with residents to remedy the pyrite scourge; and assisted the set-up of SNAPT to reverse the cuts to SNAs and resource teaching.
Ruth Coppinger, like Joe Higgins and Clare Daly will be a workers’ TD on a workers’ wage.
By electing Ruth Coppinger – Socialist Party / United Left Alliance – we can help establish a new working class party that, unlike the rest, really fights for ordinary working class people.
We are appealing to working class people and all members of the United Left Alliance to help in our by election campaign. Why put another government back bencher into the Dail to vote through more cuts and austerity? Elect a fighter for working class people’s rights – Make a difference – contact us today to help get Ruth Coppinger elected – phone 01 6772592.
