Age & Opportunity forms part of an alliance of advocacy groups asking all politicians to ‘Earn Our Vote’. We have come togetehr with Active Retirement Ireland, Age Action, ALONE, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and Third Age Ireland, ahead of this year’s General Election to fight for the needs and rights of older people in Ireland. These groups represent more than half-a-million people over the age of 65 in Ireland.

We believe older voters will hold a decisive role in the outcome of Election 2016 so we are asking every candidate to earn the vote of this key group in society in what is likely to be a very close election, where every vote will count. We are encouraging candidates to prove that they will represent the needs of older people, by committing to implement three key policies, if elected to Government:

1. To appoint a Cabinet-level Minister for Older People to implement the National Positive Ageing Strategy.
2. To support older people to remain healthy and engaged within their communities for longer, through interventions and investment in primary care and care in the community.
3. To secure the income of older people through an increase in the State Pension and reversal to cuts to the Household Benefits Package.

Ireland, like most of Europe, has an ageing population. The issues which are being raised by the ‘Earn Our Vote’ campaign are ones which will impact on everyone in society in the coming years. The National Positive Ageing Strategy, drafted in consultation with older people, is the comprehensive blueprint for a more age-friendly society in Ireland. It offers a positive view of ageing and does not limit its remit to health issues, but rather looks at how to improve quality of life, promote independent living and deliver greater opportunities for older people. The strategy exists but we need the leadership of a cabinet-level Minister to implement it.

The next Government will decide how Ireland’s economic recovery will shape our society. Ireland’s older citizens must see the cuts they suffered during the economic downturn reversed. Now is the chance for candidates to make a commitment to older people and Earn Our Vote.

Candidates who support the campaign will be acknowledged on the Earn our Vote website, earnourvote.ie, and through local publicity. Campaign updates will be given through social media and the twitter account EarnOurVote16 and dedicated hashtag #EarnOurVote2016.