Parties warned by elderly voters

Groups representing half a million elderly voters have warned political parties they will receive no backing unless they create a cabinet-level minister for older people, and guarantee significant pension rises.

The newly set up Earn Our Vote umbrella group underlined the price of the ‘grey vote’ yesterday, saying Government has so far been sorrowfully lacking in ensuring the sector receives the support it needs.

Elderly care advocates — backed by Age Action Ireland, ALONE, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Third Age Ireland, and other groups — yesterday outlined their requirements for any candidate to be given support.