Statement by Fergal Moore, Vice-President Sinn Fein Poblachtach
Those who have contributed to flood relief appeals are to be greatly commended. For the most part, aid has come from ordinary working-class people who have taken it upon themselves to offer and organise assistance in the face of dithering and procrastination from the administrations in Leinster House and Stormont. Republicans will offer their support and assistance to those who are in need.
The gombeen culture fostered by Fianna Fáil over generations has led directly to thousands being left homeless as they have discovered that their homes have been recklessly built on flood plains. These people must be compensated in full by the developers who have hoodwinked them.
In the meantime they should be housed in some of the many thousands of properties that lie empty across the country that are being held onto by speculators in the hope that prices will rise.
Críoch/Ends.