Her no bullshit approach was very popular.
Despite the fact that pensions have increased by €5 per week in Budget 2017, ALONE have stated that more needs to be done to support older people in the community. “There has been no announcement from the government yet on homecare packages,” said Sean Moynihan, the charity’s CEO.
In response to the €5 reduction in the maximum fee that over-70s pay for medicine, Moynihan commented, “This reduction is a move in the right direction as the introduction of the €2.50 prescription charge over the last number of years has had serious health implications for older people. ALONE has witnessed the struggle of older people who have had to prioritise certain medicines as they cannot afford their entire prescription.”
While Budget 2017 might be a step in the right direction, some pensioners still feel that these measures doesn’t compensate them enough. It’s also worth noting that the €5 pension increase doesn’t kick in until March.
As is the norm, Prime Time discussed the fallout from Budget 2017 and there was one clear winner. Take a look as a 77-year-old pensioner named Ellen Redden cuts through any bullshit by saying what she really thinks.
#rtept audience member Ellen keeping it real Dublin style: "I just have the shit that goes with being 77" #Budget2017 pic.twitter.com/YmXwzXRWsF
— Odhrán Allen (@odhranallen) October 11, 2016
The Ballymun native’s straight-talking approach has won her plenty of admirers.
I think that we're all pretty clear that 77 year old Ellen was the clear hero of tonight's #budget17 debate #rtept #TheShitHasHitTheFan
— Síona Cahill (@usiequality) October 12, 2016
Ellen Redden of Ballymun says "the shit hit the fan" on #rtept Straight to the point. Plain English. Screw censorship. No bull. #Budget2017 pic.twitter.com/HkWGCRzDOh
— Saoirse McGarrigle (@mcgarrigle1) October 11, 2016
Ellen #thegreyvote you go missus. Well said #rtept
— Barbara Edwards (@barbaraedwards1) October 11, 2016
I want Ellen to be my Granny.#rtept
— martinmcmahon (@williamhboney1) October 11, 2016
She Reminds me of my granny. Bless your honesty Ellen. #ellenlegend #rtept
— Brendan Hilliard (@bren_hil) October 11, 2016
Ellen on #rtept is my hero. She just says what she thinks and feck everyone else. Love her.
— Susan (@susanbrodigan) October 11, 2016
It's quite clear that the winner of the #rtept #Budget2017 debate is Ellen
— Fiona Kenny (@fionakenny1) October 11, 2016
Ken Bone memes rapidly being replaced by Ellen #rtept
— Fiona Kenny (@fionakenny1) October 11, 2016
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