Charles Ward: Government Ignored Warnings as Costs Soared
Charles Ward accuses the government of ignoring public warnings made during the fuel protests and argues their inaction has produced rising homelessness, food inflation and the highest household energy prices in Europe. He sets out figures on homelessness, electricity and grocery costs and calls for an urgent change of direction.
Key claims: Ward details the government's two-year record and links it to concrete social harms. He cites homelessness at 17,500 with projections above 20,000 within a year, electricity bills up 75-85% since 2020, home heating oil up to 50% in six months, and grocery costs rising from €150 to €225 since 2020.
Context and accountability: Ward frames the situation as the predictable result of ignored warnings during the fuel protests and governments delaying action until the last moment. He argues the public spoke early and clearly and that ministers failed to listen, leaving households to bear the cost.
Consequences and demand for change: Ward warns that without a change of direction the opposition will be forced to step in and try to fix what he calls a created mess. He insists there is currently no plan in place and presses ministers to begin listening to communities facing rising bills and homelessness.
Key claims: Ward details the government's two-year record and links it to concrete social harms. He cites homelessness at 17,500 with projections above 20,000 within a year, electricity bills up 75-85% since 2020, home heating oil up to 50% in six months, and grocery costs rising from €150 to €225 since 2020.
Context and accountability: Ward frames the situation as the predictable result of ignored warnings during the fuel protests and governments delaying action until the last moment. He argues the public spoke early and clearly and that ministers failed to listen, leaving households to bear the cost.
Consequences and demand for change: Ward warns that without a change of direction the opposition will be forced to step in and try to fix what he calls a created mess. He insists there is currently no plan in place and presses ministers to begin listening to communities facing rising bills and homelessness.
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Transcript
During the fuel protests, the public came out and told you what needed to be done. You knew this was coming, and you didn't listen, and you left it to the eleventh hour. And here we are. The government have been in place now two years, coming this November, and what you've achieved is this. We have record levels of homelessness, food inflation, and the highest energy prices in Europe. Homelessness numbers are at 17,500. In one year's time, they will be in excess of 20,000. At the same time, Ireland is now the most expensive country in Europe for household electricity. Electricity bills have risen between 75% and 85% since 2020, while home heat and oil has increased by up to 50% in the last six months alone. There has been a rise in food bills, with family grocery trolleys now costing €225 compared to €150 in 2020. People have been abandoned. There is no plan in place. There needs to be a change in direction. If there is no change in direction, we will be coming in here trying to fix the mess that's been created. You need to start listening.