Independent councillor not impressed with change of Taoiseach

Independent socialist republican councillor, Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig is sceptical on whether last weekend's change of coalition government leader will make any difference to the people of Donegal.

In a hard-hitting reaction to the switch and Fine Gael's Leo Varadkar taking over as Taoiseach from Fianna Fail's Micheal Martin, the outspoken west Donegal p[ublic representative doesn't hold back on how he feels about the change.

"Ever since the de facto merger of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, it makes little difference which party occupies the position of Taoiseach. If there is anything separating Martin and Varadkar it is purely a question of style over substance.

"There are of course a plethora of promises being made by the new incumbent but nothing of significance for working people will change for the better. Neoliberalism will remain the driving force behind all decisions taken by the coalition government."

Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig says he believes housing will remain in the profit-driven private sector, healthcare will remain dominated by the private sector, energy provision will remain determined by the needs of the private high-tech sector and care for the elderly will remain in the hands of private enterprise.

"It doesn’t matter whether it's Michael or Leo - or any other Fianna Fail or Fine Gael TD - sitting in the Taoiseach’s office, the only game in town for them is capitalism.

"The new office-holder will therefore continue to do what he believes necessary to maintain the current status quo. Nothing will be done on the national question. Nothing will be done to restore Irish neutrality. Nothing will be done to deliver an equitable society."

He adds: "We need change and it must be fundamental and all-encompassing and not just style instead of substance."