'So out of touch' Tipperary councillor slams Government criticism of fuel protest

Tipperary County Councillor Jim Ryan has slammed the Government for their inaction amid the recent wave of protests ongoing throughout the country regarding fuel costs.

Widespread disruption has been reported across Tipperary as part of a co-ordinated national protest over rising fuel costs, with blockades, slow moving convoys and demonstrations affecting key routes throughout the county.

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Cllr Ryan issued a statement on social media criticising the Government for their lack of action regarding the sharply increasing cost of petrol, diesel, and home heating oil that has hit the country following the outbreak of war in the middle east.

Cllr Ryan’s statement comes following remarks issued by Taoiseach Micheál Martin earlier today, where he described the protests as “wrong”, stating that: “To prevent mobility, to prevent people from accessing livelihoods, medical appointments, disrupting day-to-day activities in the manner that has happened, is wrong and is a wrong form of protest.”

Cllr Ryan said: “This Government is so out of touch with the decent people of this country. They need to take account of their failed inactions on health, housing, family carers, cost of living etc etc etc. Now we are in the middle of the worst fuel crisis this country has seen in a long time and instead of trying to solve the scandalous high costs of petrol, diesel and home heating oil they are criticising those for having the courage to go out yesterday and today to protest against it.

“Enough is Enough and people are sick of false promises and attempts to talk us down. The Government make enough money from fuel taxes so it's time to give back now. Cut the taxes on fuel and bring in a cap to a level affordable by all - business owners, households, farmers, hauliers, bus operators, taxis and so on.”

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Cllr Ryan called on Tipperary Government TDs Michael Lowry and Ryan O’Meara to use their position as part of the current Government to raise the concerns of the people of Tipperary as a means to bring the cost of fuel down to a more affordable price.

“I am calling on our Government TD's here in North Tipperary - Ryan O Meara and Michael Lowry to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of this county and demand the Government you support to put an end to these protests and negotiate with all those affected so that a fair capped price for fuel can be agreed. It's this Governments fault that our motorways are at a standstill not the protesters,” he concluded.