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PRESS STATEMENT

2015-03-16
Councillor comments on LEADER cuts as insult to intelligence
Councillor Samie Morris of Sinn Fin has rubbished as spin-doctoring the recent efforts to
present the cuts to the LEADER program in a positive light.
The scale of the cuts is so large, that to try to present them in any positive light is an insult to
the intelligence of the ordinary person. Yet this is the approach taken by government
representatives.
Tipperary's funding is being cut by over half, from 25m to 10m, and no amount of spinning
can make that anything other than a cruel cut.
In a year where rural Tipperary communities are also facing cut-backs to public transport, it's
not acceptable to label these cuts as a commitment to rural Ireland, despite what the
government says.
The LEADER programme is operating in Ireland since 1991 and has 36 local groups which
oversee the spending and operation of the program. It has been shown repeatedly as an
example of best practice, and one which contributes to sustainable local development projects.
Ministers Alan Kelly and Ann Phelan are both involved in this latest cutback. Minister Kelly is
also involved with the Uisce ireann debacle, while Minister Ann Phelan is involved in cutting
back rural bus services.
Cllr Morris and Sinn Fin deplore these cut-backs, but recognise that ordinary citizens are no
longer easily swayed by government propaganda, and call on the electorate to vote this
government out of office at the first available opportunity.
ENDS
Cllr Seamus Morris is available to answer questions on 087-285-9125

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