One in 5 voters prioritise jobs / unemployment despite lowest
2 Feb 2001
Despite the fact that today's Live Register figure of 137,800 is the lowest level since December 1981, the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed has highlighted the fact that jobs and unemployment remains a key concern for one in five Irish voters. The recent MRBI/Irish Times opinion poll found that 19% of respondents named 'jobs/unemployment' as a key issue which will influence the way they would vote in the next General Election. Nationally, jobs/unemployment ranked higher as a concern for voters than taxation, education, or the fall out from the Tribunals.
Camille Loftus, Welfare-to-Work Co-ordinator of the INOU said "The poll figures should come as no surprise to politicians. Despite the continued decline in live register numbers, approximately 4,500 people join the Live Register every week. The experience of mass unemployment remains fresh in people's minds, and the recent high profile spate of job losses reminds them of the poverty and despair that unemployment brings."
Respondents' answers reflect the gap between government claims that the unemployment problem is 'solved', and the reality of people's experiences. For example, regional disparities in employment growth are clearly reflected in the poll, with 11% of Dubliners expressing concern, compared to 21% in Leinster, 23% in Munster, and 25% in Connacht/ Ulster.
Camille Loftus continued "Unemployment is still the primary cause of poverty in Ireland. The last budget made little progress in addressing the poverty unemployed people live with, as the bare minimum was given in social welfare increases, and no progress was made in addressing the training and education needs of those with low skills - whose risk of unemployment is greatest. Unless there is a change in policy from government, the INOU expects this concern to grow".
ENDS
For further information contact:
Camille Loftus, Welfare to Work Co-ordinator 01-8560088
Noeleen Hartigan, Press Officer 087 61 67689 / 01 856 0088
