Wednesday 5 May 2010

“Our today is your tomorrow” was the main message being highlighted outside Queens Students Union this afternoon, as students and older people from across Belfast came together to support a unique election campaign.  The campaign called ‘A Pensioners’ Manifesto’ has been supported by Age NI, Age Sector Platform, Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NI) and National Pensioners’ Convention (NI); and has aimed to harness the power of the ‘grey vote’ in the lead up to the general election. 

Ivan Baxter, a member of the Pensioners’ Manifesto group, explains: “We have been travelling across the province for the last two weeks and are delighted that we have been able to visit South Belfast as the final part of our election campaign road show.  It may seem that this campaign should be of very little interest to our younger generations; however, our today will be their tomorrow if we do not join together in fighting for a decent retirement for all.”

Mr Baxter continued: “This campaign will not end today.  The Pensioners’ Manifesto will be as relevant after the election as it was before and our elected MPs still need our help in representing the interests of older people at Westminster.”

Laura Hawthorne from Queens Students Union commented: “There is a lot of common ground between what students and young people seek representation on and the issues that affect the older generation.  For example, financial security is a common concern for young people and older people alike.  It is important that we have a strong, united, inter-generational voice telling our Government about the things that matter to the ordinary person; no matter what age they are.”

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