During the last two weeks a formidable election campaign has been touring the province causing a stir amongst election candidates, politicians and members of the public alike.  The campaign, called A Pensioners’ Manifesto has taken Northern Ireland by storm; and with over a thousand official supporters so far, it proudly embarks on its final week of campaigning activity.

The campaign, which is supported by Age NI, Age Sector Platform, ICTU and the National Pensioners Convention (NI), was officially launched on Friday 16 April. Since then, it has visited every county in Northern Ireland, and will finish on a high this week with local events in Belfast.

Ivan Baxter, a member of the pensioners’ manifesto group who travelled with the campaign across Northern Ireland during the last few weeks, commented: “This campaign road show has allowed us to visit a diverse range of areas and communities across Northern Ireland; but I can safely say that in each area we have listened to many stories from older people frustrated at the apparent disregard shown to them by their politicians.  This is totally unacceptable.”

Mr Baxter continued: “I believe that many of the politicians we met whilst on our tour of the province were genuinely supportive, and were happy to back our manifesto.  However, this support needs to be translated into action at Westminster following this week’s election.  Older people in Northern Ireland deserve a better deal and we will be sure to monitor the actions of those who have supported the campaign once they have taken their seat at Westminster.”

Margaret Galloway, another pensioner involved in the campaign, explained: “This road show has given us the opportunity to listen to the voices of older people and to hear their personal experiences relating to the issues within the manifesto.  We have heard stories of pensioners struggling to survive financially because their income is not enough to live on.  Stories of older people confused and frustrated with the inadequate health system here.  Stories of older people being discriminated against simply because they’ve had too many birthdays!  These issues need to be addressed by government now, before our ageing population becomes a challenge too huge to tackle.”

The final week of planned activity as part of the campaign will include several events across Belfast; including a demonstration of cross community support in West Belfast on Tuesday 4 May and an intergenerational public event outside Queens University Belfast Students Union on Wednesday 5 May.

If you would like copies of the manifesto postcard, please telephone 028 9031 2089.  To sign the online petition, visit www.pensionersmanifesto.org.