Republican News · Thursday 26 September 2002

Ógra SF Continue Insurance Campaign

Members of Ógra Shinn Féin in South Monaghan last Saturday collected over 1,000 signatures calling for the Dublin Government to take action to reduce Car Insurance, particularly for young motorists.

Public support for the protest exceeded the young republicans' expectations, with all their petition cards were completed by lunch-time. The young republicans had intended to be there all day!

New cards will be printed and the petition will continue over coming weeks and will be eventually forwarded to An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the members of his cabinet. Those who signed supported the following statement:

"We the undersigned demand that the Dublin government take necessary steps to ensure that the exorbitant motor insurance costs charged to young drivers be reduced. We further call for necessary procedures to be put in place to facilitate adequate road safety programmes for young people."

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Carthy said that this is one of the most potent issues for young people in the 26-Counties. "The government can introduce measures that will help resolve this matter - a state insurance company providing cover and developing a compulsory driver safety programme at its core is the only feasible solution.