Local support is sought for pensioners' campaign

The Pensioners’ Manifesto, which is backed by Age NI, Age Sector Platform, ICTU (NI) and National Pensioners’ Convention, sets out the demands of the older population and aims to harness the power of the ‘grey vote’ - giving the people who vote the most, something to vote about.

Ivan Baxter, a member of the Pensioners’ Manifesto group, explained: “As part of this campaign, we will be travelling across Northern Ireland to ensure that older people from throughout the province are able to participate and lend their support. Our Pensioners’ Manifesto lays out, in no uncertain terms, the needs and demands of the older population in Northern Ireland. It is the duty of our local candidates to consider these demands when standing for election as MPs to Westminster this year.”

Mr Baxter continued: “It is now up to older people in Northern Ireland to inform their local candidates seeking election of their needs. Consequently, our politicians must see the merit in what we are asking for and adopt some of our points into their own election manifestos.”

The calls in the manifesto include an increase in the basic state pension, paid alongside other existing entitlements to provide some financial security for all, and the provision of improved access to quality social and long-term care to maintain dignity in advanced years.

As part of the Pensioners’ Manifesto campaign, a roadshow has been organised with a campaign bus travelling across Northern Ireland for two weeks in April, and all older people are encouraged to attend their local event. At each event, postcards detailing the Pensioners’ Manifesto will be distributed, and local political representatives have been invited to attend. If you would like copies of the manifesto postcard, please telephone 028 9031 2089.

An online petition has also been created as part of the unique campaign. Those in support of the manifesto can sign their name at www.pensionersmanifesto.org

The campaign outside Belfast City Hall takes place between 10.30am and 11.30am tomorrow.