Main message to voters:
I want a sovereign independent Ireland where the Irish people alone make our own laws, decide our own budgets. I want an end to EU open borders and uncontrolled immigration that increases demand for housing and pushing up rentals. I'll work for pro natalist policies supportive of Irish families
Election history:
Never stood for election before.
Priorities:
- Other Protecting Irish military neutrality will be a priority. I will work for a slimmer state, less government waste, and lower taxes for workers.
- Other I will oppose EU attack on our corporate tax regime, and vote against the carbon tax, and water charges. I'll be Ireland's watchdog not an EU lapdog
- Other I'll work for a greener Ireland with less pollution and more bio diversity and pro natalist policies supportive of Irish families with children.
Candidate positions on the election issues:
EU
Ireland should remain in the EU
Some people believe that Ireland should leave the EU, particularly in the wake of Brexit, as the UK is our most important trading partner. Others argue that EU membership continues to be beneficial for Ireland, both economically, socially, and in terms of our political influence.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"
I want a sovereign independent Ireland where the Irish people alone make our own laws, decide our own budgets.
We must never again accept the EU imposing 64 billion bank debt upon us,
or have the Irish budget approved in the German Bundestag before it's even seen in the Dail."
European integration has gone too far
Some people argue that the EU interferes too much in the affairs of member states, and powers should be returned to the national level. Others argue that further integration is necessary to tackle shared challenges like climate change and internet privacy rights and for economic stability.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The EU is a political union where people we did not elect make our laws.
A debt union that imposes 64 billion bank debt and austerity.
The EU open Ireland's border to 500 million people giving us uncontrolled immigration, We paid a membership fee of 1'000 million. We can't afford it any more. "
Ireland should cooperate with other EU member states on defence
Ireland has recently joined the PESCO framework, which seeks to increase defence cooperation in the EU. It commits members to work together on military planning and to increase defence spending. It does not create an EU army, but some oppose it because they see it as a step in that direction.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The EU is becoming a military union that takes away our military neutrality. I am opposed to Irish membership of EU battlegroups and PESCO."
If an EU member state is overwhelmed with asylum applications, other member states (including Ireland) should share the burden
There is an unequal distribution of asylum seekers across EU member states. In 2015 the EU introduced a one-off relocation scheme, moving asylum-seekers from Greece and Italy to other member states (including Ireland). Some have argued that a permanent relocation scheme should be introduced.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We must control the numbers, vet all applicants individually and make sure they are genuine before being allowed into Ireland. Buy we ahould accept genuine refugees in need of asylum....just not EU mandatory quotas."
Ireland should defend its low corporation tax in the face of pressure for EU harmonisation
Ireland's low corporate tax makes it an attractive location for multinationals, which are a major employer in Ireland. It has also led to accusations of Ireland being a ‘tax haven’. The European Commission has proposed harmonising corporate tax rules to create a level playing field across the EU.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I will oppose EU attack on our corporate tax regime, whuch attracts so much investment and jobs into Ireland. But i will work that multinationals pay their full 12.5% tax rate and close loopholes to stop any tax avoidance. "
Brexit
In the wake of Brexit, a referendum should be held on Irish unity
The Good Friday Agreement allows for a unification referendum (‘border poll’) in Northern Ireland and the Republic, if there is evidence that it is desired by a majority. Some have argued that, in light of Brexit, this should now be put on the agenda. Others believe that it would be divisive.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"After Brexit change has settled down after approx 10 years or so we should have a referendum on an independent and united Ireland free from UK and EU control. I am in favour of a federal and re-united Ireland with a bill of rights for all and greater regional autonomy in a New Ireland."
Ireland should refuse to install checks on the border with Northern Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, Ireland would have different customs and regulatory requirements to Northern Ireland. The EU may require that Ireland establish border checks with Northern Ireland to ensure the integrity of the EU’s single market.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Leaving the customs union will prevent the European Commission from erecting custom controls across our island...which would hurt relations between North and South, as well as the large trade that goes on.
I am opposed to the European Commission in its desire to enforce a hard border."
Tax and Spending
Wealthy people should have to pay more tax than they do now
Some believe that there should be greater redistribution of wealth from rich to poor, achieved through taxes on income or wealth. Others believe that taxes are high enough already, and increases could be bad for the economy.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Taxation should be rated by ability to pay. I am in favour of a progressive tax system."
Increases in public spending should be prioritised over tax cuts
During the recession, new taxes were introduced (e.g. USC) and spending was cut on public services. Some argue that the government should now cut taxes to put money back into people’s pockets. Others argue that the priority should be to increase public spending in areas such as housing and health.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"I will work for a slimmer state, less government waste, and lower taxes for workers. We should not have to fund for instance 5.5 billion euro on govt quangos (NGOs) "
Environment and transport
Increases to carbon tax should be opposed
Carbon tax is a tax on fossil fuels such as oil, petrol, diesel, and gas. Currently, Ireland has a carbon tax of €20 per tonne of CO2. The Climate Change Advisory Council recommends that this is gradually increased to €80 per tonne in order to reduce emissions and tackle climate change.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"CT punishs people for running their car, hitting industry with huge taxes and transferring this money through the emissions trading scheme (ETS). This hurts consumers and workers while funding our competitors in China etc. It’s bad economics and overall it doesn’t stop climate change."
The government should prioritise spending on public transport and cycle lanes over roads
Some argue that we need to reduce our dependence on cars, and invest in sustainable transport instead. Others argue that failing to invest in our road network will damage the economy. The current capital investment plan includes more spending on roads than on public transport and cycleways.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Surely they can both go hand in hand."
Social issues
More should be done to provide accommodation for Travellers, even if there is local opposition
The Department of the Environment provides funding to local authorities for Traveller accommodation (e.g. halting sites and group housing schemes), but many local authorities have been reluctant to build these sites due to local opposition, and much of the money allocated for this remains unspent.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Travellers are Irish people like the rest of us and they should be helped to halt the discrimination they face. They should find open the opportunities in life that all Irish people should share together. They have a distinct Irish culture but are not a distinct "ethnic" group."
There should be mandatory sentencing for violent crimes
A mandatory sentence is one which must be imposed regardless of the individual circumstances of the case. Currently, murder carries a mandatory life sentence in Ireland, and some drug trafficking and firearm offenses have mandatory sentences. For other crimes, judges have discretion on sentencing.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Our society is becoming too violent and criminals must learn immediately there are the toughest consequences for violent crime. Anti- social behavior is also a problem, older people should be protected. Anti- social criminals should face jail or deportation depending on citizenship."
The liberalisation of abortion in Ireland has gone too far
The legislation introduced after the 2018 referendum allows for terminations for any reason up to 12 weeks in a pregnancy. Terminations are only permitted after this date (and before the foetus becomes viable) if there is a serious risk to the health of the pregnant woman.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"As no nation has a future without children, we are pro-natalist and supportive of stable families for the procreation, education and rearing of children.
Abortion, and the general cheapening of life at its beginning and end is a stain on the name of Ireland that should be removed
"
A lot more religious-run schools should become multi-denominational
96% of primary schools in Ireland are religious-run. There is an ongoing ‘divestment’ process, designed to change some schools with a religious patron (such as the Catholic Church) to become multi-denominational schools. Some schools and religious leaders oppose the plan.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"It is a matter for parents to decide the ethos of their child's education. If they are not happy with what is available tehy ahould be free to build a new school. State appropriation of somebody's property without compensation is unconstitutional."
International
Ireland should boycott Israeli goods produced in the occupied territories
The ‘Occupied Territories’ bill will make it an offence to import goods from an occupied territory. Supporters say this will show solidarity with Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Critics say it discriminates unfairly against Israel, and threatens important economic links with the US.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"As an EU member Ireland has no freedom to choose its trade policy which is an exclusive EU competence. Ireland should do everything in it's power to help resolve the conflict as wsll as act as an examplar of a viable peace process. "