Pensioners want minimum £110

SENIOR citizens have entered the election debate with a call for a minimum old age pension of £110 a week, changes in means testing and improved health services.

Proposals by the political parties to reduce the tax take must not result in reduced social services, the Irish Senior Citizens' National Parliament warns.

"Ireland must enter the 21st century as a society that is prepared to share its wealth with all sections of our people and particularly those most in need, including pensioners. The Celtic Tiger must not become the Celtic Piranha," said the parliament's administrator, Mr Michael O'Halloran.

More than 500,000 people in Ireland are aged 65 or over. They vote more than other age groups but up to now have never achieved political influence by voting as a bloc.

Mr O'Halloran has written to all the parties, asking for their views on pensions and age discrimination. He says older people should vote for the party of their choice but only after examining" the issues which affect their wellbeing.

The parliament wants old age pensions set at 40 per cent of the average industrial wage, giving a rate of £110 a week. Savings should not be taken into account when means testing for non contributory pensions.