Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1953 Valleymount, By-election Meeting

Source: Nationalist and Leinster Times, 06.06.1953

Miss Bobbett told how she had come to be associated with farmers’ organisations during the Economic War, and said she had no political affiliation then or since. She felt she was capable of representing the farmers, and would work for a spirit of unity in the Dail. Dail bickerings were disgraceful, personal abuse and seeing who could win the battle of words – and the taxpayers were paying for it.

Her first point of policy would be to work for greater economy in the spending of money by the Government and Local Authorities. People often failed to see that the high cost of living was due to the high cost of government. “Farmers have been asked to produce more,” she said, “but we know that when we produce in abundance we often get lower prices. For 30 years now we have been governed by city minds.

“We must have more representation from people in rural Ireland who really understand the needs of rural Ireland and will not be afraid to stand up and fight for them. Here is where the advantage of being an Independent Deputy comes in,” she continued. “If you belong to one of the political parties you must vote with that party even if you know you are voting against the interests of rural Ireland or against the interests of women.”

To reduce expenditure, she suggested that the Health Bill should be shelved and that salaries of the President, the Taoiseach and Government Ministers be reduced. Reforms in the financial system would enable us to have cheap money for housing and other items financed by Local Authorities.