The man who sparked a revival of the MICA campaign says the people of Donegal will not be fooled by a ‘publicity stunt’ unless Taoiseach Micheal Martin delivers for them.
Paddy Diver said nothing but a firm agreement of a 100% redress scheme for those whose homes are falling down around them will be enough for the campaign to stop.
The Carndonagh was speaking to Donegal Daily just hours after the Fianna Fail leader arrived in the county to see first-hand the damage caused by the defective building blocks.
Mr Martin met with two members of the MICA Action Group and also visited homes in Raphoe affected by the issue.
However, Mr Diver said that the Taoiseach’s visit will be nothing but a publicity stunt unless he delivers a 100% redress scheme to those with MICA.
And Mr Diver also stated that the planned protest march in Dublin on Tuesday next will go ahead no matter what.
Donegal Daily understands that the Taoiseach was given a list of points from the MICA action group.
They include a request for help for elderly people who are finding it difficult to understand the current scheme and sign up to it.
Another point is a request for a liaison officer for the proposed scheme.
Mr Diver said people were not for backing down despite the visit of the Taoiseach.
“I’m not any more satisfied than I was yesterday because Micheal Martin should have been here a long time ago.
“In fact, I think it’s a disgrace that he hasn’t been here before now. Now he pays one little visit to Letterkenny and we’re all expected to accept that.
“It’s going to take one simple thing for people to be satisfied and that’s a guarantee of a 100% redress scheme for every last person whose home has mica,” he said.
He also said that there was no way that next Tuesday’s planned protest march in Dublin next Tuesday will be postponed – even if that agreement is given.
“We have come too far now. The people want to be heard. The anger and the need for people to be heard is too great.
“We will march through Dublin and we want Micheal Martin to accept our letter and to stop treating us like second class citizens once and for all,” he added.
