Dr Catherine Conlon: Standing up for middle Ireland leaves the most vulnerable behind

Segregating the poor from the well-off has dramatic and negative impacts on the mental and physical wellbeing of the less well-off, writes Dr Catherine Conlon

Housing, health, education, childcare, and a living wage are as essential to the health and wellbeing of every citizen and should be the priority of every TD in Government. File photo

In May 2017, at the official launch of his campaign to become leader of Fine Gael, Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar said he wanted to lead a party for "people who get up early in the morning".

In the ensuing battle to the be next Fine Gael leader, TD Simon Coveney said he wanted to represent everyone and create a more compassionate society for all.