We need to be abundantly clear here. Families across this country are under serious pressure and the fuel costs are a major part of that pressure. In Galway East and across rural Ireland, people do not have a choice. They rely on their cars every day to get to work, bring their children to school and keep their livelihoods going, and right now, they are being squeezed. When people are paying more than €100 to fill a tank of diesel, that it not just a number. It is money being taken from groceries, heating and, ultimately, supporting their families. People feel they are doing everything right and are still falling behind. I understand and accept that prices are set and influenced by global markets - we get it - but that cannot become an excuse for inaction. What has to happen is that the Government needs to assess the costs, see that this appears to be a sustained conflict, and examine and assess every option, such as whether tax measures or targeted measures would be the right response. For many households, there is simply no more room left. They have already cut back and cannot take another hit. The central point stands - we cannot stand by while working families in rural communities are hit again and again. This is about fairness and people need to know that, when the pressure seriously comes on, as it has been sustained over the past 19 days, the Government will take appropriate measures and actions.

Sentiment score: -0.10