4th March 2003

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Auction stunt grossly offensive piece of political theatre

Sinn Fein spokesperson on the Environment Arthur Morgan has described the State's PR auction of OPW land off Baggot Street in Dublin as a ``grossly offensive piece of political theatre and a false economy'' in the face of a chronic housing crisis in this city.

Deputy Morgan said ``Tom Parlon's photo opportunity was typical of this Governments response to real problems ? all spin and no substance.

``This City has a massive housing crisis with over 10,000 families on waiting lists. There are literally thousands more homeless and living day-to-day in night shelters. The effects of today's stunt by the PD Minister is to deny local authorities access to much needed public land, that in this case is already zoned residential, for the building of social and affordable housing.

``Today's announcement is a grossly offensive piece of political theatre and a slap in the face to the people who haven't a hope of getting a foot on the public housing ladder, never mind contemplating buying the luxury apartments and penthouses that will no doubt be built on this site filling the pockets of the speculators and property developers while ignoring the homeless on our streets.''

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Tel: +353-1-8726100 and +353-1-8726839   ·   Fax +353-1-8733074
E-mail: sfpress@eircom.net   ·   Website: http://www.sinnfein.org

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