Chai Brady
Catholic bishops in Northern Ireland have called on citizens to vote in the upcoming election, asking them not to feel “alienated and disheartened”.
Recent instability in Stormont was cited as diminishing trust and confidence in the political process, especially among young people.
The bishops, including Archbishop Eamon Martin, Bishop John McAreavey and Bishop Noel Treanor, highlighted issues with child poverty, the financial pressure put on schools, Brexit and the need for a sustainable future.
Opportunities
They recommended several questions each person should ask their candidates before voting on June 8. These included questions regarding what candidates would do concerning employment opportunities and better housing.
The issue of sustainable energy and what the parties should do to promote renewable energy and reduce food waste was another question.
They also touched on the abortion issue, as one of the questions reads: “How will you and your party protect and promote the value of every human life from conception until natural death?”
In relation to Brexit they said it “will have a profound impact on the social, economic and political future of this part of Ireland”.
“It is vital that the government formed in Westminster following the election is sensitive to the potentially destabilising impact of Brexit on so many aspects of the lives of our citizens here.”