Tuesday 23 February 2010 

The next general election is expected to take place in May 2010. In preparation for this, Age Sector Platform has been involved in developing a pensioners’ manifesto in partnership with Age Concern Help the Aged NI, Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NI) and the National Pensioners Convention (NI).

Ivan Baxter, a member of the Pensioners’ Manifesto Group, explains how the manifesto will allow older people to start holding their political representatives to account. He commented: “Our pensioners’ manifesto lays out, in no uncertain terms, the needs and demands of the older population in Northern Ireland. It is then the duty of our local candidates to consider these demands when standing for election as MPs to Westminster this year. With the backing of such respected organisations, we will ensure that our politicians know what we need from them.”

“It is now up to older people in Northern Ireland to do their bit to support the manifesto and to inform their local candidates seeking election of the needs of older people.  Consequently, we hope that politicians will see the merit in what we are asking for and adopt some of our points into their own election manifestos.”

“This campaign will only be successful if we have the full support and assistance of the older population in Northern Ireland. We must stand together to ensure our political representatives are aware of our needs and are pushed to work effectively on our behalf.”

To view the manifesto and sign your name in support, please visit www.pensionersmanifesto.org.