John O Neill challenges other candidates on finances and double jobbing:

dublin | politics / elections | press release

Monday May 14, 2007 13:59

by Apparat - ISN

irishsocialist at dublin dot ie

http://irishsocialist.net/contact.html

087-6367175

John O’Neill, socialist candidate in Dublin North West, has challenged other candidates in the consituency to make a clear statement regarding their finances and double jobbing.

John stated: ‘Like a number of other left-wing candidates, I have made a pledge that if elected I will only take the average workers wage and that I will use the rest of the T.D.’s salary to fight campaigns on issues that effect working people and their families. I also give a clear commitment that, if elected, I will work solely as a public representative.

While I doubt any of the conservative politicians will promise to live on an average workers wage, I do expect them to take their job seriously. I challenge the other candidates to state clearly if they intend to be full-time public representatives or if they are going to be juggling their job as T.D. with private money making. In particular, I call on the Fine Gael candidate Dr. Bill Tormey to clarify if he will give up his lucrative practice as a consultant pathologist in two Dublin hopsitals if he wins a seat in the Dáil. Indeed many people in the Dublin North West constituency will wonder how such a wealthy man can represent the interests of ordinary working people struggling to make ends meat.’

John continued: ‘It is impossible for a person to give their full attention to the job of representing their constituencies if half of the time they are engaged in earning money in another job. It is also unlikely that a T.D. could really take the side of working class constituents if they have any business interests. Having no financial interests other than a mortgage on my home in Finglas, I also call on all candidates to reveal if they have any properties, shares, directorships etc. so that people can get a clear picture of the candidates wealth and interests.’

John O Neill is representing the Irish Socialist Network in the Dublin North West constituency in the general election.

Tel: 087-6367175

Email: irishsocialist@dublin.ie