Removal of energy credit is a ‘body blow’ for Kildare families

A County Kildare activist has criticised the government's recent decision relating to the removal of energy credit.

Sinn Féin's Area Representative for the Newbridge LEA, James Stokes, claimed that the decision serves as a "body blow" to families in Newbridge and across Kildare "who are already paying higher and higher electricity bills".

He also claimed that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are going to make matters worse in the coming weeks "by driving up the cost of petrol and diesel, home heating oil, Local Property Tax, student fees and more". 

Elaborating on his views, Mr Stokes said: "The cost-of-living crisis is hitting families across Newbridge hard, and instead of offering relief, this government has chosen to pile on even more pressure.

"The decision announced by Simon Harris this morning to scrap the energy credit is a body blow to hundreds of thousands of families who are struggling to pay ever-increasing electricity bills."

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He continued: "And now, on top of that, Fianna Fail (FF) and Fine Gael (FG) plan to make things even worse by hiking up costs for petrol and diesel, home heating oil, Local Property Tax, student fees and more.

"We need to end the rip-off, get costs under control, and ensure workers and families get the support they need in this year's budget.

"This government has been in power since 2011; over that time, child poverty has grown, child homelessness has passed 5,000, and families in Kildare and across the state continue to wait years for vital healthcare.

"These failures all happened on the watch of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail."

Mr Stokes concluded: "People in Newbridge don't want excuses, they want solutions; they want a government that will take responsibility and finally deliver for families instead of continuing to let them down."

Representatives from FF and FG have been contacted by the Leinster Leader for comment on Mr Stokes' views.

Sinn Féin activist James Stokes. Photograph supplied by Mr Stokes

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