Health, housing and the cost of living are among the issues that will top the agenda at the Aontú party conference today.The leader of Aontú Peadar Tóibín has said that he believes that the party is poised to make significant gains in the upcoming local elections.
Since the family and care referendums in March, the Aontú party has seen a 25% increase in its membership, up to approximately 2,000 people. Mr Tóibín argues that Aontu's no-no position on the referendums was evidence that the party is listening to the electorate. Aontú currently has three councillors, but is running 63 in the upcoming local elections; Mr Tóibín believes the party will be competitive in the running for dozens of seats.Mr Tóibín, himself, is running in the Midlands North West constituency.
Health, housing, the cost of living and balanced regional development are among the issues that will be discussed at today's party conference.However, the party leader argued that the Government has failed to consult with communities.Mr Tóibín said a respectful debate on immigration is required, otherwise discourse will be dominated by more extreme groups.