“I know you have been badly let down, particularly by a housing system characterised by unaffordable homes and extortionate rents.”

While travelling Australia, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald had a message for any Irish people living there who want to come home. In a candid speech she acknowledged how particularly young Irish people have been let down by Ireland,  forcing them to emigrate.

According to The Journal, McDonald addressed the National Press Club in Canberra, appealing to Irish citizens living in Australia. To those who felt forced out of Ireland, McDonald says:

“I know you have been badly let down, particularly by a housing system characterised by unaffordable homes and extortionate rents, by living costs that were out of control long before we experienced the inflationary crisis of today. I understand that you are heartbroken that your hard work and potential could have been wasted had you stayed at home.”

Mary Lou McDonald encouraged those to still enjoy their time in Australia, saying:

“Work hard, enjoy the sun and enjoy the lifestyle, but come home and be part of the new Ireland that we must build. We need you.”

According to The Journal, Ireland is lacking tradespeople, and McDonald was only making this appeal to people who left involuntarily, or felt forced out by the housing crisis. She said if Sinn Fein were voted in that they would work hard to “get the basics right”. These basics include housing, childcare, and healthcare especially.

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