Protest against Cost of Living Crisis organised for Saturday

Members of the public are being urged to take part in a demonstration this weekend to demand the Government do more to tackle the cost of living crisis.

The current state of affairs is “crushing” families and households, the Cost of Living Coalition - who organised Saturday's rally - have emphasised at a press conference today.

The group, which is comprised of 30 organisations of trade unionists, student and pensioner bodies and opposition political parties, will urge the Government to take radical action on the cost-of-living, inflation and housing crisis ahead of Budget 2023.

2.30pm Sat Sept 24th Parnell Sq Dublin the Cost of Living Coalition national protest will see thousands take to the streets. Join us.@ClaireKerrane @RBoydBarrett @GaryGannonTD @AccessForAll7 @ExtinctRebelsIE @UCDSU @sinnfeinireland @pb4p @JoanCollinsTD and more supporting! pic.twitter.com/jE8fOWUMHO

— Cost of living coalition (@COLCIreland) September 14, 2022

The protest takes place ahead of the Government’s eagerly awaited budget on Tuesday.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, a member of coalition group, said people are living in a “nightmare” situation of ever-increasing bills and day-to-day living costs.

"People are struggling to stay afloat due to the most serious cost of living crisis in decades," McDonald said on Tuesday. "Despite this crisis, there has been no serious response from Government. Instead of decisive action to deliver for the people, they have taken half measures that haven't made a dent in the nightmare faced by people."

“There is no way you could exaggerate the kind of pressure that people are under and there’s a real sense that Government hasn’t listened,” McDonald added.

“The Government have said a lot. They’ve done a lot of kite flying but actually, when it came down to it, there was a lot of delay and dither. The evidence will be on budget day as to whether the real gravity of this situation has landed with a Government that, frankly, is completely out of touch so far with realities on the ground.”

We need to come together in protest to win solutions to the cost of living crisis. @MaryLouMcDonald is right. People are struggling to stay afloat. We need serious measures to tackle the cost of living crisis. pic.twitter.com/uSXwh5h56Y

— Cost of living coalition (@COLCIreland) September 20, 2022

Speaking at the launch of the protest in Buswells, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said he wants to see Government action to protect people from an “absolutely crushing” crisis where living costs are “blighting” the lives of thousands.

“The simple message is the Government to date have not done enough, even close to enough, to protect workers, pensioners, students, ordinary householders, from what is crucifying cost-of-living prices, that it is inflicting really severe hardship on working people, on vulnerable people, on the young and the old,” he continued.

“We are demanding action in this budget to comprehensively protect ordinary people from this cost-of-living crisis and to finally take action to address the ever worsening housing crisis.”

Thousands are expected to take part in Saturday’s protest, as the Government prepares to sign off on the final details of the budget.

The march will begin at Parnell Square at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Press conference today dozens of groups united with one voice calling everyone to join the protest on Saturday.

2.30pm Saturday Parnell Sq Dublin. pic.twitter.com/PzjElwVVcL

— Cost of living coalition (@COLCIreland) September 20, 2022

Macdara Doyle, of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, emphasised that radical action is needed in particular for the energy crisis, and what could "become a jobs and wider economic crisis":

“The priority for the budget has be the protection of jobs, protection of living standards, given the huge pressures that are already on workers," he stated.

“The energy that we are seeing at the moment is just one more crisis overlaid onto a series of existing and deeper crises around the standard of living.”

Fr Peter McVerry, of homelessness charity Peter McVerry Trust, remarked that the Government is failing the state.

“I asked the Government not to fail the people of this country again in this energy crisis,” he said. “One of the primary responsibilities of Government is to ensure that all of its citizens have their basic needs met. That means including housing, which they have failed to do, free education, which they have failed to do.”

Union of Students in Ireland president Beth O'Reilly described how students are being forced to sleep in tents, cars and friends’ couches.

“They can’t find or afford accommodation and that is disgraceful,” she commented. “The onus of this work is being put in our students’ unions, the Government have washed their hands with the problem.

“They seem to think that digs is a solution to the student accommodation crisis, when we know that students who avail of digs have no rental rights and are still being charged absolutely extortionate rents.”

News hit the headlines today that Cabinet members are to receive State cars and drivers for the first time since 2011, under plans up for approval today. Needless to say, those facing massive bills with little help from the State are voicing their disapproval for the move. Many pointed out that Cabinet members receive more than enough salary and expenses allowances to pay for their own security.

All members of the Cabinet are to receive State cars and drivers for the first time since 2011, under plans up for approval today. The Garda Commissioner has recommended the move as a security measure. @VirginMediaNews (1/3)

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) September 20, 2022