Right, so this James Morris fella, eh? Sounds like he’s found himself a hobby. "Passionate" about improving the NHS, he is. Probably means he’s had a go at booking a doctor’s appointment lately and understands the pain of being put on hold for longer than it takes to actually see the bloody doctor.
"Empty chairs at the Christmas table" he says. Bit doom and gloom, isn’t it? I mean, come on, haven’t we all been to family gatherings where the only empty chair was the one your aunt Mildred claimed year after year because, obviously, no one wanted to sit next to her? But hey, it gets the sympathy vote, doesn’t it?
Housing, housing, housing. The same old song and dance. People wanting their adult children to be able to afford a place without trading bodily autonomy for a deposit. It’s tragic, really. And don’t even get me started on emigration. They’re leaving for the sunshine, the jobs, the healthcare, the places where you don’t have to queue for two hours just to see a GP who tells you to drink more water and go for a walk.
Now, immigration. A tricky one, that. This Nigerian lady gets a bit miffed about people claiming asylum and getting free houses, while she, doing things the "right" way, is stuck paying her own mortgage. Cue the outrage. See, this is what happens when you make complicated issues about simple, human things. Fear, jealousy…it all bubbles to the surface when people feel like they’re missing out.
Crime, of course. It’s hard to live in fear without actually experiencing it, isn’t it? It’s all anecdotal, but it makes fantastic headlines doesn’t it? "People don’t feel safe! Muggings! Up, up, up!" Solution? More guards on the streets, obviously. Like adding more chairs to a sinking ship.
But hey, Aontú listening to "the Irish people", eh? Sounds promising. Although, who are "the Irish people"? Last I checked, they were a pretty diverse bunch, with a lot of different opinions. Could they maybe have a listen to a few more of them before they start promising solutions?
shrugs
It’s all rather depressing, isn’t it? Makes you want to emigrate yourself. At least in Australia, you can be surrounded by crocodiles and still feel less threatened than walking the streets of Dublin at night.
Just saying.
James Morris, the Aontú candidate for Dublin Bay North, says voters are clamoring for political change.
Morris, a father of three, asserts that the housing crisis is the paramount concern for voters, particularly in the Artane area. Many adult children are forced to remain at home due to the lack of affordable housing options.
Morris says this situation is causing immense pain for families, as young people are often compelled to emigrate to countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand in search of a better quality of life.
One mother shared her experience, stating that her elder son had moved to Australia seeking a brighter future, while her younger son, aged 26, plans to relocate to the United States. This woman expressed her deep dissatisfaction with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, contending that these parties are making Ireland uninhabitable for younger generations.
Morris recounts encountering another woman earlier in the day whose children had all emigrated overseas.
She expressed her grief through tears, believing that Ireland is headed in the wrong direction, a sentiment echoed by many voters who lament the “empty chairs at the Christmas table.”
According to Morris, the second most pressing issue is immigration, followed by a combination of concerns related to crime and healthcare, including long waiting lists.
Morris, with a 20-year background in finance, emphasizes his passion for public health reform. He pledges to advocate for better pay and conditions for doctors and nurses, aiming to end hiring freezes and improve the healthcare system for all.
During his conversations with constituents, Morris learned that a Nigerian woman who had legally immigrated to Ireland 15 to 20 years ago, cited immigration as her primary concern.
This woman found it unfair that individuals from her home country could claim asylum and receive free housing, while she had worked hard, paid taxes, and secured her own mortgage. It caused significant resentment and revealed a complex issue surrounding asylum policies.
Other residents voiced concerns about the lack of community engagement regarding the establishment of asylum centers, though overall opinions on immigration were varied. Regarding crime, Morris notes that concerns in the area primarily revolve around break-ins and a perceived decline in safety within Dublin city center.
Many residents reported feeling unsafe venturing into the city center due to a perceived lack of Garda presence and an increase in muggings and other street crimes. While break-ins and petty thefts were the most frequently cited local problems, many citizens attributed the broader crime issue to a shortage of Gardaí.
Morris contrasts the Irish government’s Garda recruitment efforts with those of Australia, highlighting the disparity in commitment to public safety.
He asserts that Aontú is the sole party truly listening to the Irish people, dedicated to restoring hope to young people, tackling crime and anti-social behavior, and implementing a sensible immigration policy.
What are the three main issues James Morris highlights as being raised by voters in Dublin Bay North?
## Interview with James Morris, Aontú Candidate for Dublin Bay North
**Interviewer:**
Welcome to the show, James. You’ve been out talking to the people of Dublin Bay North. What are the main issues they’re bringing up?
**James Morris:**
It’s clear that people are longing for change, a change that prioritizes their families and their future. The housing crisis is absolutely paramount. It’s heartbreaking seeing so many young people forced to leave Ireland because they can’t afford a place of their own. Families are being torn apart.
**Interviewer:**
It certainly sounds like a difficult situation. What kind of solutions are people looking for?
**James Morris:** They want practical solutions that address the root causes. Instead of feel-good PR campaigns, people are demanding concrete plans for building more affordable homes, tackling the astronomical rents, and making home ownership a realistic goal again, not a pipe dream.
**Interviewer:**
You mentioned families being torn apart.
**James Morris:** Absolutely. I’ve spoken with mothers whose children have emigrated to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, desperate for a better life. The pain in their eyes when they talk about “empty chairs at the Christmas table” is truly heart-wrenching. They feel like Ireland is failing their children and grandchildren.
**Interviewer:**
Are there other concerns besides housing?
**James Morris:** Immigration is another major issue. People are worried about the impact on public services and the sense that those coming here legally are being disadvantaged. They want to see a fairer system, one that prioritizes those who play by the rules. there’s a general sense of insecurity. Crime is a growing concern, particularly in certain areas. People don’t feel safe walking the streets at night.
**Interviewer:**
So, this is where Aontú comes in, claiming to listen to ”the Irish people”. What makes your message resonate with voters?
**James Morris:**
We’re offering a fresh alternative to the same old parties with worn-out promises. We’re listening to the concerns of ordinary people, not just the powerful and privileged. We understand their struggles because we live among them.
**Interviewer:**
James Morris, thank you for your time and insights. We wish you all the best in the upcoming election.
[[1](https://www.facebook.com/AontuJames/)]
