I believe passionately in an Ireland where fairness, equality and the spirit of collective community should inform all government policy. Older citizens have enormous experience, judgment and wisdom and we need to recognise this energy in a much more meaningful way. Older citizens should be able to avail of the best possible services in their community when they need them. But we must move away from seeing older people as in decline, or as withdrawn and dependent, but rather as active, engaged citizens who can bring a wealth of energy and experience to dealing with our current challenges. In Labour’s vision of One Ireland the lives of our citizens as they grow older will be enhanced and better supported, nurtured with dignity, and most of all - respected.