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Norma Burke
Norma Burke
Independent


Incumbent : No

Main message to voters:

I'm about policies not politics and I’m available to be an independent minister and will work with any Government. Ideally I'd pitch for a new portfolio - SMEs and the Social Economy. Multinationals are important stakeholders, but SMEs provide 70% of jobs and I'd love to be a champion for them.

Election history:

I ran to be president of Ireland as Bunty Twuntingdon-McFuff on a satirical platform to protest the quality of candidates. This time I’m making the case for political change on a serious platform. My top priorities are the same - housing, business and probity in politics.

Priorities:

  1. Other Futureproofing Ireland in an AI economy by focusing on sectors with jobs robots can't do such as hospitality, hairdressing & the creative economy.
  2. Other We have a housing emergency & as well as the human cost of this travesty, poor infrastructure damages inward investment & growth prospects.
  3. Other Cycle infrastructure, public transport & reducing pollution for a liveable city that is great for citizens and attractive to companies locating here.

Candidate positions on the election issues:

Taxes and Spending

The government should prioritise putting money aside for future challenges (e.g. Brexit) rather than putting it back into the economy now

The government now takes in more money than it spends. Some argue that this should be set aside to prepare for shocks like Brexit or a sharp reduction in corporation tax revenue. Others argue that the priority should be putting money into the economy through higher public spending or tax cuts.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"The budget of a country is often wrongly mistaken for a household one. To ensure a country's growth we need to invest in infrastructure and futureproof skills for citizens. "

When there is scope for tax cuts or public spending increases, what should be done?

During the recession, new taxes were introduced and public spending was cut. Some argue that when possible, the government should 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.
Significant tax cuts
Some tax cuts and some increases in spending on public services
Significant increase in spending on public services
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"I'm in favour of income tax cuts under 150k and ending tax breaks for banks and ensuring big corporations pay the 12.5% rate without avoidance. I'm in favour of increased tax rates above 150k on a tiered basis. "

Should taxes on lower earners (below €35,000) be increased or decreased?

Currently, people earning under €16,500 do not pay income tax. People earning over that pay the standard rate of 20%. There is also the Universal Social Charge: those earning under €13,000 are exempt, while those earning up to €20,000 pay up to 2%, rising to 4.5% for earnings over that amount.
Increased
Stay the same
Decreased
No opinion/skip

Should taxes on middle earners (€35,000-€70,000) be increased or decreased?

The standard rate of income tax is 20%, which applies to all income up €35,300 (for a single person); earnings above that are taxed at 40%. The Universal Social Charge is 4.5% on income between €20,000 and €70,000.
Increased
Stay the same
Decreased
No opinion/skip

Should taxes on high earners (over €70,000) be increased or decreased?

The standard rate of income tax is 20%, which applies to all income up €35,300 (for a single person); earnings above that are taxed at 40%. The Universal Social Charge is 8% on earnings over €70,000.
Increased
Stay the same
Decreased
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"I am in favour of increased tax rates over an 150k threshold. "

Should corporation taxes be increased or decreased?

Ireland’s corporate tax rate is 12.5%, which is low by international standards. Many large companies pay a much lower rate in practice. This makes us attractive for multinationals, which are a major contributor to the economy; it has also led to accusations of Ireland being a tax haven.
Increased
Stay the same
Decreased
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"We're overreliant on multinationals who could up sticks on an economic shock outside our control such as a change to the US tax rate. We need more focus on SMEs who provide 70% of jobs in the economy. We should also increase entrpreneur relief to 15 million as in the UK to incentivise start-ups."

Housing and Health

Should the local property tax rates be increased or decreased?

The standard rate of LPT is 0.18% of a property’s market value. This rate can be adjusted up or down by the local authority. The revenue raised is used to fund local services and some of it is redistributed to other local authorities. LPT currently makes up less than 1% of all tax revenue.
Increased
Stay the same
Decreased
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"The CSO released a report this week showing that wealth inequality is rampant in Ireland and the wealthiest 10% have a net wealth of greater than €835,000, while the least wealthy 10% have a net wealth of less than €1,000. A wealth tax is fair and appropriate. "

A rent freeze should be introduced across the country

Currently, rent increases are limited to 4% in ‘rent pressure zones’. Some argue that there should be a blanket rent freeze, so landlords could not increase rents at all for a period. Others argue that a rent freeze would drive landlords out of the sector and reduce the supply of houses for rent.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"We have a housing emergency that's the result of endemic Government failure on state building over decades. As well as the terrible human cost, it limits investment into Ireland as infrastructure is a key issue for companies. We need a pause so the numbers don't increase to deal with the problem. "

Much more resources should be directed to building local authority housing, even if that means cutting back in other areas or raising taxes

Some argue that local authority house building should be increased dramatically, as there are almost 70,000 people on waiting lists. Others favour alternative methods of solving the housing crisis, such as encouraging more private development or providing more supports for people to rent or buy.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Affordable housing is the number one problem in this country and as well as failure to provide the most basic of human needs - shelter - it has knock on effects on mental health and other secondary issues. As well as being the right thing to do it saves us money in the long run & aids FDI. "

The best solution to the housing crisis is to incentivise more building by private developers

To solve the housing crisis, some argue we need to incentivise developers to build more houses (e.g. by reducing taxes on construction or introducing harsher penalties for ‘land hording’). Others argue that the solution should instead focus on building more local authority housing.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"It is neo-liberal fundamentalism & a failure to understand free market economics to think private developers are the only solution to build housing. The role of G'ovt in a free market is to run natural monopolies which are inefficient without adequate competition (and housing is a natural monopoly)."

There should be free health care for all, even those on higher incomes

Currently, only some people are entitled to a medical card or free GP care. Many people who can afford it choose to take out private health insurance. Some argue that there should be universal health care for most medical treatments, paid with public funds. Others say this would cost too much.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"I grew up in the UK and the NHS is an amazing service for every citizen. Healthcare should be universal regardless of income. If we ever do have a border poll, an issue which may be forced by Brexit, the loss of the NHS for NI citizens will be a major issue. "

Environment

What should the focus be for investment in transport?

Some say we need to reduce our dependence on cars, and invest in sustainable transport instead (e.g. buses, trains, cycling, walking). Others argue that failing to invest in our road network will damage the economy. Currently we spend more on roads than on public transport and cycleways.
Continue to prioritise investment in roads
Spread resources evenly between roads and public transport/cycle lanes
Cut spending on roads and invest significantly in public transport and cycle lanes
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Although cars are essential in rural locations, we need to focus on public transport & cycle infrastructure in cities. I'm in favour of RSA cameras in bus & cycle lanes with automatic fines in the post & car free Sundays once a month and less cars in Phoenix Park. Also to prioritise disabled access."

New petrol and diesel vehicles should be banned in the next ten years

The draft Climate Action Bill aims to ban the sale of new fossil fuel cars from 2030 in an effort to reduce emissions. Critics say that this is unrealistic.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Electric vehicles are made from finite materials inc. cobalt. The car you already have is a more environmentally friendly vehicle than buying a brand new one. Provide public transport & an electric bus fleet for an alternative & look to majorly reduce car production, not just ban one type. "

Should carbon taxes be increased?

Carbon tax applies to fossil fuels, e.g. oil, petrol, diesel, gas. It recently increased from €20 to €26 per tonne of CO2. The Climate Change Advisory Council recommends a rapid increase (€80 per tonne by 2030). Critics say that carbon tax disproportionately impacts those on low incomes.
Increased significantly (reaching €80 per tonne by 2030)
Increased at a more moderate rate
No increases
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Carbon taxes should apply to corporate polluters not individuals and we need a major programme to tax them. 100 companies are responsible for 71% of greenhouse gas emmissions & we need joined up thinking across all policy areas on how to combat this inc. international lobbying as well as taxation. "

There should be a tax on greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture

Agriculture is a key sector in the Irish economy. It is also responsible for 33% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Some have called for a new tax on greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, but opponents say that would be too damaging to the agri-food industry.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip

Immigration, moral and social issues

Should immigration into Ireland be made more restrictive or less restrictive?

Non-Irish nationals make up 12.7% of the population, most of whom came from the EU. Work permits are issued to people from other countries only with a well-paid job offer in certain occupations. Some say immigration puts pressure on services; while others say it is needed to tackle job shortages.
More restrictive
Stay the same
Less restrictive
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Immigration increases GDP & free movement in the EU has increased prosperity. Non-EU fast tracked visas for key strategic sectors eg ICT or to plug gaps in eg midwifery have helped the country. Gov't failures in health & housing provision are being exploited by some to blame immigrants & drive hate."

More resources should be given to improving conditions for asylum seekers

Asylum seekers are housed in Direct Provision centres. Some argue that conditions are poor and have a negative effect on the physical and mental health of residents. Others disagree and argue that improving conditions would cost too much and could attract more asylum seekers to Ireland.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"There are many competing interests for money, eg the 4000 disabled young people living in nursing homes as there is not housing provision for them. Spending for all competing areas has to be reviewed together with a budget, not one at a time without information on what else needs funding. "

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/skip
Comment:
"I campaigned to Repeal the 8th & support exclusion zones outside hospitals. People are entitled to their own moral view on abortion but not in any way to project that onto someone else. I 've never had an abortion but the right to have one and bodily autonomy is a basic right every woman must have. "

Small towns and villages should not be forced to accommodate asylum seekers

There are approximately 6,000 asylum seekers living in Ireland. Many are accommodated in or near small towns and villages, where it is easier to find private premises to use as Direct Provision centres. In some cases locals have opposed this on the grounds that their town might be overwhelmed.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"DP is an inhumane system that should be brought to an end & short term provided in large towns & cities. Forcing small communities isn't the right approach & the G'ovt has created upset with secrecy & lack of timely consultation. Small towns & villages for those who have aslyum granted is better. "

The Church has too much control over Irish schools and hospitals

The Catholic Church runs a number of private hospitals. Most primary schools & many secondary schools are under the patronage of the Church. Some say the Church provides invaluable services in health and education, while others say that a Catholic ethos is being imposed against people’s wishes.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"There should be in my view a complete separation of church and state. I'm also in favour of the sex education bill and young people being informed & understanding consent. You can be religious and have a healthy understanding of sex. "

Political and constitutional issues

The reunification of Ireland would create more problems than it would solve

Some people are opposed to the division of Ireland and believe that reunification should happen as soon as possible. Others disagree on the grounds that Unionists in Northern Ireland do not want it, or because they believe it would be too expensive for the Irish government.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"It is reprehensible & irresponsible that we're not having a national conversation on this subject already to even have the full facts to address this question: a citizens assembly & an Oireachtas committe were needed yesterday. "

Irish citizens living abroad (including Northern Ireland) should have a vote in Presidential elections

A referendum on this has been proposed. Some argue that political participation should be a core aspect of citizenship, regardless of where you live. Others say that there are too many citizens living abroad, and that they may be out of touch with what is going on in Ireland.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"No taxation, no representation. I'm in favour of it in relation to NI only. Also limiting passports to parents only and preventing overseas residents from running for election after 18 months - end those running for office whilst on holiday and who live long term and pay income tax abroad. "

A referendum on Irish unity should be held during the lifetime of the next government

The Good Friday Agreement allows for a referendum in Northern Ireland & the Republic on a united Ireland, if there is evidence that unification is desired by a majority. Some say that, in light of Brexit, a border poll should be held soon. Others believe this would be premature and divisive.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Brexit is a speeding train coming down the tracks so we need a citizen's assembly on the future of the island of Ireland, an Oireachtas committee & data and reports on what this could look like urgently. Unless Brexit forces the issue I'd be cautious that it's too soon & we haven't prepared for it."

The voting age should be lowered to 16

18 is the most common minimum voting age internationally, but some countries have reduced it to 16. Proponents argue that young people should have a say as it affects their future, while opponents argue that many 16-year-olds lack the maturity to vote responsibly.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"100% yes to this. To have enagaged citizens you need early political involvement. The last election turnout was 65.2% nationally which is too low. In Dublin Bay South it was 54.8%. The more democracy the better & I'd support compulsory voting. Spoil your ballot if you like, but it's a civic duty."

EU and international affairs

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 and for economic stability.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"I support the EU but think it needs some reform. I'm against PESCO & believe it shouldn't have been signed and TTIP is also a disaster. I am a dual UK-Irish citizen and voted to remain. The Mercosur deal to ship German cars in return for Brazilian beef is environmentally disasterous."

Ireland should cooperate with other EU member states on defence

Ireland has recently joined the PESCO framework, which seeks to increase defence cooperation between EU states. It commits members to work together on military planning & 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/skip
Comment:
"While we should co-operate with the EU on security as we do already, there shouldn't be further integration on defence; in particular EU troops. We should also end military planes landing at Shannon & protect Irish neutrality. We've been enabling a famine in Yemen by allowing US troops to use it. "

Ireland should boycott Israeli goods produced in the occupied territories

A proposed law would make it an offence to import or sell goods originating in an occupied territory. Proponents say this will show solidarity with Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Critics say it discriminates unfairly against Israel, and could undermine important links with the US.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion/skip
Comment:
"Nation state laws passed by Israel are effective apartheid & Israel is commiting war crimes & Gaza is the largest open air prison in the world. Israel has the highest number of UN violations of any country. We must take a moral stand on this. As with South Africa boycotts & sanctions work. "