WATCH: ‘Upbeat’ video shows Tánaiste ‘completely out of touch’

Labour leader Joan Burton has been criticised for being “completely out of touch” after releasing a ‘feelgood’ video, which suggests that families now have more disposable income thanks to her party’s policies.

The video, which has been posted on YouTube and Facebook, shows a young couple discussing home renovations with builders and stating: “It’s great to be able to finally do the kitchen.”

The upbeat footage is also accompanied by a written message from the Tánaiste, reminding families they have the Labour party to thank for putting more money in their pockets.

In her message Ms Burtonsays: “Things are getting better for Irish families. And as a result, we can be a bit more positive about the future. The recovery is beginning to reach the kitchen table. We have a little bit more money at the end of the month to do things we previously put on the long finger. Such as giving the house a lick of paint. Or getting that much needed extra room built. Or being able to bring the kids abroad for a holiday. Getting here has been tough. But Labour has brought us to this point.”

A Labour spokesman confirmed the video was the third in a series of clips released online as part of “a new approach to connect with social media users”.

The party’s press officer, Dermot O’Gara, stressed that the people who featured were not actors, but real-life people telling their stories.

He said: “It’s worked very well and the feedback has been very positive. The focus of that video was to show hard-working families who have been under huge pressure in the past now being able to afford things they couldn’t before.”

However, the latest video has sparked complaints amongst groups and charities representing the hardest-hit in society, who say it’s unrepresentative of the grim reality facing the huge numbers of Irish householders who are facing repossessions, at risk of homelessness, and struggling to feed their families.

Ollie Williams, who runs Twist Soup Kitchen Ireland, said: “This video is an absolute load of nonsense and the Labour party should not have put it out, because most people aren’t lucky enough to be able to do up their homes. We’re providing meals to people every day who have lost their homes and who have become homeless.”

Roughan MacNamara, Focus Ireland’s advocacy and communications manager, said: “The economy is picking up and that is to be welcomed. However, there are still many people suffering from the relentless austerity of recent years and the recession. They have seen no signs of recovery.

“The 77 families who became homeless in Dublin last month that are supported by Focus Ireland aren’t thinking about doing up their kitchen. They are homeless and worrying if they will even get a bed and somewhere safe for the night.”