The Government’s pathetically cruel, ever- changing restrictions and new lockdown measures are killing the domestic economy and destroying any semblance of a normal Christmas, according to the Rural Independent Group.
Reacting to this evening’s disjointed government announcement, the Leader of the Rural Independent Group, Deputy Mattie Mc Grath, stated:
“The ignorance of the Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Green government knows no bounds, as they again launch another devastating blow to the entire hospitality and entertainment sector. This sector, which is the backbone of the domestic economy and employs up to 300,000 people, has once again been treated in a shameful manner by this government.”
“Today’s announcement confirms that this government has completely lost the plot and gone beyond its limits. They are infused with power, are now a danger to the public and are single-handedly destroying our entire tourism and hospitality sector and inflicting collateral damage everywhere.”
“Undoubtedly, it is now becoming clear that this government believes itself to be “above” the citizens. We believe this to be a complete abuse of power.”
“Similarly, it is baffling how government politicians would even consider curfews or think they would make any difference to the disease spreading. Such measures were introduced to disastrous effects in England last autumn.”
“Likewise, the manner in which the government purposefully leaked the NPHET advice about closing restaurants and bars from 5pm was deeply cynical. The outcome of the leak was aimed at showing how the government would reach a seemingly less restrictive approach.”
“However, whether the new closing times for the hospitality sector are 5pm or 8pm is almost irrelevant, as the outcome will be the same. In overall terms, it almost certainly means a full closure.”
“My colleagues and I in the Rural Independent Group have been contacted by hundreds of rural publicans and restaurants owners over the past 24 hours, since the NPHET advise was leaked. The level of stress and anxiety being placed on these people and their employees by the government’s “mind game” tactics are quite disgusting.”
“These new restrictions would have the direct impact of reducing pubs’ incomes by at least 75 percent and restaurants by 50 percent. For many such establishments, they will have little option but to close their doors at their busiest time of year.”
“Any government to impose such restrictions on our largest domestic sector is heartlessly cruel. After all, the real reason for these restrictions is due to complete inaction by the government to bolster hospital bed capacity.”
“Consequently, the government has taken a bulldozing approach to shut down social venues over Christmas and the New Year period. It has the effect of cancelling Christmas for many people. The government’s flawed approach miserably fails to consider that socialising, the arts and entertainment are central facets of Irish culture,” concluded Deputy Mc Grath.
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