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Breda Patricia Gardner
Breda Patricia Gardner
Independent


Incumbent :

Main message to voters:

I am focusing on three key areas: 1. Health: put the patient first 2. Housing: put the people first 3. Environment: put nature first I want to use Europe as a platform to put pressure on and shame our national government into doing the right thing. And put people first, not parties and elites.

Election history:

Indedendent Kilkenny County Councillor Elected 2014

Priorities:

  1. Other HEALTH: Inform Europe about the endemic failings in our health service and apply pressure on our Govt to force them to deliver a better service.
  2. Other HOUSING: Civil war parties are incapable of solving the problem, and I want to push for more EU funds and input into house building by the state.
  3. Other ENVIRONMENT: We need to think big, be creative and think long term. Start with a 25c tax on plastic bottles and renewables can resell to the grid.

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

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:
"Focus needs to return to being on people, social issues and peace, not on big business, elites and a European Army."

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:
"We should not do anything that threatens our unique, hard won and superb reputation on neutrality."

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 need to sort out our failing public services in health and housing first."

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:
"But our low corporation tax rate must be enforced fairly and properly (take the Apple €13bn!)."

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:
"Not yet. I believe a referendum right now might inflame tensions that are already high."

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

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

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

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:
"We need carbon taxes, and they should incentivise good behaviour and work on the principle that "polluter pays.""

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

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 shoud be treated exactly the same as everyone else."

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

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

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

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