Get Vocal: The Voice of Older People Donegal; are our leaders fiddling while Ireland Burns?
There seems to be a palpable air of despondency, and doom and gloom which has settled over the country at present. But this has to be challenged and the apathy which is setting in must be fought, we have to engender a sense of positivity despite the circumstances we find ourselves in.
A lot of these sentiments run counter to certain assertions made by certain esteemed Government Ministers, some of whom tell us ‘to turn to Prayer’ as an answer, (Minister for Social Protection, Eamon O’Cuiv), and yet another who espoused that we “Partied too much!!” (Minister of Finance, Brian Lenihan)
We would like to say ‘No Ministers, you are wrong’, Prayer has its place, but when one is charged with developing a coherent social policy for the protection of the weak and vulnerable of this country, if that’s the best plan which you can formulate, “Pray”; I would be looking at my position and thinking is that the best that can be offered; and furthermore, we did not party too much, it was others who created this mess and the blame cannot be foisted onto the general citizenry of this proud country. But to use a much lauded phrase, we are where we are, going forward!
To reiterate, our leaders tell us “We are all in this together”, which if true, would at least provide some sense of cohesion and would be nice… if it were true… unfortunately it’s not; as we sit, the leader of this nation, Brian Cowan is still the highest paid leader in Europe, and yet he and this government have cut the minimum wage and reduced social welfare; and imposed a wonderfully named new tax; The Universal Social Charge, taking all these dispirit and desperate elements it doesn’t feel like ‘we are all in this together’.
What this Country needs now is strong unified leadership; from wherever it shall emerge it can’t emerge too soon.
When did older people become Commodities,
In the Bleak Mid Winter... Muintir na Tire Emergency Helpline
The service will act as:
(a) A contact point for those who are housebound and would like to talk to somebody or need advice on how to cope with the present cold conditions. (b) To provide practical assistance to callers utilising Muintir na Tre’s network of volunteers throughout Ireland.
The Telephone Number is: (086) 6000751
There is a better, fairer way... Demonstration on Saturday 27th November
The Voice of Older People Donegal urges you all to support this Demonstration
The Voice of Older People, Donegal is supporting the National Demonstration tomorrow, Saturday 27 November 2010. We are supporting this demonstration, organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions because
It aims to bring about change in how our Government responds to the crisis we face in the lead up to Budget 2011. At this time the key to recovery is a credible plan for job creation which will inspire hope and confidence.
Many of you have told us of your desire to demonstrate and ensure that the Voice of Older People is heard at this crucial time for our Country.
We want to ensure that we engender a spirit of solidarity across the generations. Only together can we repair the damage and work constructively to make this an island for young, old and all ages to live and fully participate in our society. It is a critical moment to give expression to solidarity between all peoples on this island.
The National Demonstration will start at Wood Quay, Dublin 2 (assembling at Cook Street) from 11am, for 12 noon set-off. The march will proceed along the Quays into O’Connell Street for a rally in front of the GPO to conclude at 2pm.
We ask individuals, groups and organisations to get behind this campaign and show that Older People in Donegal and Ireland will stand up for their rights and to protect pensions, health services, transport services, Older People at home and of course medical cards remember the 2008 protest.
Let’s bring all generations together bring your children & grandchildren. We will have our Parliament banner why don’t you bring along your own placards, posters & signs. Show your imagination with your slogans. Let’s see buggies, walking sticks and wheelchairs demonstrating in solidarity.
Let us know if you will be taking part by e-mailing the Voice of Older People Office at mark@voiceofolderpeople.com or by calling 074 91 73818
There is a better, fairer way.
Take Part in a National Demonstration!!!
We will be delivering a powerful message along with the tens of thousands of petitions to Leinster House on 30th November.
Three days beforehand the Irish Senior Citizen’s Parliament, a member of our alliance, will be supporting a large number of older people to take part in a National Demonstration organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
Older & Bolder supports the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and recognises that this demonstration is an opportunity to express solidarity between older people and groups from different sectors and generations whilst calling for the defence of the State Pension and associated supports.
If you would like to participate we ask you to join the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament section of the rally
At 12 noon on Saturday 27th November
Assembling at Cook street, Wood Quay Dublin
Keep an eye out for the Irish Senior Citizen Parliament banners and the Older & Bolder pink umbrellas
With safety in mind we recommend that, once the demonstration is over you should leave promptly and go to an agreed destination to meet up with friends you may have lost contact with during the march. For this purpose we’re recommending the Gresham Hotel on O’Connell Street as a convenient meeting point.
Marching from Wood Quay to the GPO
For further information please see the ICTU website
Rest assured that if you cannot attend the National Demonstration on the 27th November Older & Bolder will still be delivering our strong campaign message along with your signed petition to Leinster House on the 30th November.
Thank you again for your support,
South of the Border -
Ballroom of romance
On Saturday 28th November The Voice of Older People held its first South of the Border Ballroom of Romance in Ballyshannon. The dramatic part of the evening was presented by the Ballytour Players under the directorship of Maura Logue.
The company also joined us on Wednesday 2nd and Saturday 5th December in Donegal Town and Ardara where the craic was mighty!
We have commissioned Maura to work with groups in all our 7 network areas if there is a demand and so if you and your members would like to re-live those days of the 50’s Parish Hall dances and are willing to commit several weeks to rehearsals please let us know.
Fortunately the three dances were held in local hotels who were generous enough to give us their venue free of charge as they were happy to be associated with a community event like this one; perhaps you would like to run the evening as a fund-raiser? The Donegal Town groups asked that some of their door money go to a local charity, Blue Stacks Foundation.
The Milford 65+ Group are holding a fund-raising dance on Friday, 26th February and any one looking for a different night out and a bit of a laugh should mark this date in their diary.
AGM Details
On Thursday 12th November the Voice of Older People, Donegal held its Annual General Meeting in the Isaac Butt Visitor’s Centre in Cloghan.
The meeting was attended by our accountant, Dessie Lynch from Brian McDaid & Company, who presented the Company’s accounts and chaired the election of the new committee and directors.
Due to the resignation of 3 directors during the year there was no requirement for any of the attending directors to step down. Mary McGeehan (Buncrana), Breege Connor (Bundoran) and Angela Apitius (Letirmacaward) were all nominated and agreed to join our Board. The committee paid tribute to Roisin Lee who has stepped down from the committee on health grounds.
Our current Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer were all thanked for their work over the past year and re-elected unopposed.
Staff gave an outline of the work that the Project is planning over the next year, including the development and support of the seven networks, the working with Donegal County Council to building of a “Older Adult-Friendly County” and the introduction of training for members interested in expanding their advocacy and leadership skills.
The Company would like to thank all those who attended the meeting, and the staff at the visitors centre who looked after us so well.
The Voice of Older People is managed by a fourteen-person Management Committee, elected annually at our AGM. The date of this meeting is circulated to all the groups and individuals on our data base.
The staff are based in The Volt House in Raphoe and are always contactable for advice and information sharing.
