In what is one of Europe's best performing economies, mum-of-four Emma says she lies awake at night worrying if her children will get the medical care they need. She is one of many in the Republic of Ireland who say they are not feeling the benefits of the country's considerably healthy bank balance. As polls in the country’s general election prepare to open on Friday, there are lots of voters who say they feel “frustrated” and “grumpy”.
Pressures around housing, immigration and public services have dominated the campaign. Two of Emma’s children have complex medical needs and have spent years on “endless waiting lists”, she says. Her 16-year-old daughter waited so long to see a rheumatologist she “aged out” of child services, she says.
“I hear we are one of the richest countries in the world and we have never been richer, but I don't see it," she tells BBC News NI. "I hear it but I don't see it.” Emma also cares for her two elderly parents and says her mum is forced to regularly drive a 10-hour round trip to see an eye specialist.
Emma lives in County Donegal, in the north-west of Ireland. It is one of the furthest points from the heart of government in Dublin. Last month, the Republic's outgoing finance minister, Jack Chambers, delivered a pre-election budget in which he promises “bright and hopeful days for all of us” , including €250 (£208) for all households to help with energy bills.
Ireland will have a total budget surplus this year of €.
