Aontú hold a press conference on January 17, launching their manifesto for the upcoming General Election. Pro-life party Aontú has vowed to insist on legislation making pain relief for babies due to be aborted as mandatory.
Launching its manifesto this week the party – which is running 25 candidates and is confident of making gains – also said that it would prioritise the right of everyone to conscientious objection where abortion is concerned.
The manifesto also prioritises legislation obliging all possible treatment for babies that survive abortions and legislation that would prohibit abortion on the basis of disability and abortion on the basis of gender.
Speaking at the launch of the manifesto on Monday, party leader Peadar Tóibín called on voters to “think outside the political cartel”.
Mr Tóibín said Aontú was running on a range of issues including housing, health, Irish unity, rural development and crime. He said Aontú is “a people-powered, grassroots” organisation that wants unity in a “deeply divided country”.
To alleviate pressure on hospitals, the party wants 10% of the current health budget to be assigned to the development and delivery of primary care in communities. It also wants GPs incentivised to offer a wider range of services and midwife-led care to take pressure off maternity units.
On housing, the party says a significant increase in the supply of housing is the key element for resolving the housing crisis.
National vote
Aontú – which was established just over a year ago – is confident of making a significant impact in this election with Mr Tóibín retaining his Meath West seat. The party is also hoping that Cllr Sarah O’Reilly can take a seat in Cavan, Cllr Jim Codd in Wexford and Mary Sweeney in Donegal.
Crucially, it is hoping to surpass the 2% share of the national vote to ensure that the party can qualify for State funding which it is currently excluded from.