Older & Bolder Stands in Solidarity with Alliance and calls for YES VOTE [08/11/12]

Older & Bolder, which champions the rights of all older people, is today standing in solidarity with the Children's Rights Alliance in calling for a strong YES vote in the Children’s Referendum on Saturday 10 November.  Both organisations seek to highlight the challenges facing children and older people in living their lives with the dignity and rights that they deserve.  Niamh Walker, a grandmother and advocate for Older & Bolder, and Megan Smith a young person from Foróige, speak personally about why they are advocating for a YES vote.  This is a timely intervention with it being the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Dublin’s Wood Quay venue, Older & Bolder’s Chief Executive, Patricia Conboy, said: “Older & Bolder welcomes the opportunity to stand together with the Alliance to urge each and every generation to come out and vote on Saturday.  This is the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations, which seeks to highlight the ways in which we are all dependent on one another.  Older people play an integral role in the lives of children, particularly as loving grandparents.  The way we treat our children reflects our values as a society, and voting YES on Saturday will positively influence our vision of an age-friendly Ireland that values and respects the dignity of people of all ages.  Vote YES on Saturday 10 November.”

Paul Gilligan, Chair of the Children’s Rights Alliance, said: “The Children’s Referendum is our opportunity to loudly declare that children matter, and that people of all ages share a common vision of how children should be treated in this country.  Too often, interest groups are pitted against each other, but older people and children have much in common, particularly in securing quality public services, care, income, environment, education and participation. We are delighted to be joined by Older & Bolder today, and send out a loud message for a strong YES vote next Saturday.”

Niamh Walker said: “While my five small grandchildren are much loved and well looked after, I know there are many children who are not.  For me, this referendum is a chance to do something positive for those children in difficult situations.  I want their voices to be at the heart of decisions about their care.  That’s why I’ll be voting YES on Saturday 10 November 2012.”

Megan Smith said: “This change to the Constitution will be an excellent start to change how our society appears to view and treat children.  Having the vote on a Saturday shows how important it is that we, as a country, finally update our Constitution to reflect our own beliefs.  This referendum will give children the opportunity to be heard and, above all else, be safe and cared for.  Most young people won't be affected by this change but, for those who are, this change in the Constitution could mean the chance of having the family and security that no child should have to be without.  It is time to recognise the children of Ireland."

_Ends_

For further information, please contact:

Carys Thomas, Communications Director

Tel: (01) 662 9400 / 087-7702845

Fax: (01) 662 9355 

Email: carys@childrensrights.ie