Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

The first point that needs to be made on the overall delay in calling the by-elections due in Donegal, Dublin and Waterford is that Seanad by-elections have been held quickly. One would assume that the same considerations apply to Dáil by-elections as to Seanad by-elections in terms of the logistics of organising them. We must assume that factors are at work other than the organising of a poll.

It is clear the factor which applies to Dáil by-elections is that the Government is terrified of facing the electorate in any constituency in the State in the current climate. That is the sole reason we have not had these by-elections. Polls have indicated that support for both Government parties is low and that Fianna Fáil is facing the worst election outing since the party was founded. That would give t little or no hope of winning seats in any of the by-elections that need to be held. However, that is not a sufficient reason in any democracy for not holding an election. People have rights.

The reasons popular support for Fianna Fáil and the Green Party is so low is due to the current state of the economy and the high and rising level of unemployment and all the problems associated with that in terms of people slipping into poverty and debt. There is also massive anger over the manner in which public sector workers' pay has been undermined and the slashing of public services in contrast with what appears to be the Government's kid-glove approach to those responsible for the current mess, particularly the fallout from financial and property speculation. Instead of punishing those responsible, the Government has shifted the onus for the crisis on those who have no power over the Government's ability to attack their wage packets and living standards.

Unemployment in Waterford city has risen by more than 50% in the 12 months to the end of July 2009, with 12,744 people now signing on. This increased from 8,383 in July 2008. Waterford city is heavily dependent on manufacturing and a series of heavy hits have devastated the local economy. There are a number of positive steps that can and must be taken to secure the long-term economic viability of the region and the city. Waterford city must become the engine of the economic driver in the region. Government support and investment in the city as a gateway of the region has been poor and no doubt the former Member would have been aware of this in making his decision to retire.

What needs to be done in Waterford is the same as what needs to be done nationally, which is to provide a stimulus to local indigenous enterprises to capitalise on existing and potential advantages to kick-start growth rather than to wait for an international upturn overseen by austerity measure packages which could mean we would be left behind if and when such an upturn comes about. Part of Sinn Féin's proposals on this is a €300 million job retention fund to subsidise workers in small and medium sized enterprises. Such a fund would ensure access to credit in small businesses while also offering other advice and business development skills now on offer only to new or exporting businesses. The Government has finally introduced a €250 million job subsidy scheme. This is a small step towards what is needed. The Government also introduced a €50 million enterprise stabilisation fund and it is vital that Waterford projects are included in those which access funding from that source.

The only potential power people have is their right to exercise their vote. They will do so in no uncertain manner when the Government faces the overall electorate in the next general election, whenever it is held. In the meantime, the Government ought to facilitate the electorate in Waterford, Donegal South-West and Dublin South, where by-elections are due to be held, by moving the writs and at least allowing people in those constituencies give their judgment. To do otherwise is to show cowardice.

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