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SEAN WYNNE
SEAN WYNNE
Independent


Incumbent : No

Main message to voters:

I stand as an independent voice for change in the Sligo Leitrim Constituency. I am a Prolife candidate who believes in the "Nation State", which means that everything we do should be in the interest of the state and of our own citizens, not in the interest of the EU.

Election history:

I ran in the local elections in 2019 in County Leitrim on rural issues such as afforestation and community banking. I resigned from FG due to the utter disrespect shown by the FG party and its leaders in Dublin Castle on the 26th May 2018 when the 8th amendment was declared repealed.

Priorities:

  1. Other Rural decline is a real issue for this region in Sligo/Leitrim with the issues surrounding afforestation and suckler beef farming. People are leaving.
  2. Other Community banking is a business model that would see young people being able to access low cost loans for homes and land. Pillar banks high interest.
  3. Other Balanced regional development which eliminates the red tape designed to cause obstacles for those trying to draw down on funding needs to be reviewed.

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 government should stop giving priority to the pillar banks and large investors and focus on providing tax incentives to the generation of people who are starved and without their own houses or land due to a succession of bad polices designed to facilitate greed for those who already have gained. Some of those who have gained from these policies do not even live in Ireland and essentially contribute nothing to our economy."

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:
"The spending that has been allocated to the HSE needs strict accountability. In Scotland, the NHS operates a fairly efficient health service on half the money allocated to it and yet it has nearly twice the population using the service. We need to stop throwing money at the HSE and restructure the management. If we were to break down the amount of paperwork a nurse has to do in their daily work and compare it to what they signed up to, i.e the love of caring for patients, what would it reveal. Layers of management at the cost of front line staff."

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
Comment:
"I believe that people would prefer to continue paying their taxes at the same rate if they were to get good public services at value for money. For example child care, health care, and education. All of these public services are in need of review. The difficulty is that earners are not seeing the fruits of their taxes. I believe that we all accept that taxes are essential but when earners see gross mis-management of their taxes, that presents a real frustration among tax payers."

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
Comment:
"I believe that the same applies to this layer of earners. People do not mind paying a fair tax if they see the public services are efficient and easy to access in a fair and equitable manner. The difficulty is that these services are hard to access and there is too much red tape involved in getting what people are actually entitled to."

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 believe that high earners should be paying a higher rate of income tax as the bands are too close. Again, I believe that a fair and balanced approach to the income tax system is required. For example, we have a lot of tax exiled individuals, investors, corporates and indeed the pillar banks who seem to be excused from paying taxes. Ok we know about the levies and dividends but what about a level playing field?"

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:
"Corporation taxes should be reviewed and made available for the public to see clearly exactly what tax breaks and right offs they are receiving. How much more benefits are these corporations getting. The corporation taxes need to be paid in full. Full Stop. We have a two tear system here too as a smaller businesses are struggling to make ends meet."

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:
"In the present circumstances with struggling families trying to make ends meet, the property taxes should be reviewed in three years time depending the outcome of Brexit. If the economy depresses it would be madness to introduce any further increases. Vise Versa Use Common Sense in theses matters"

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:
"Given that the state pays 30% of all the rental market, if the government interferes with the property market, then then the landlords will leave the rental market, which will leave vacant houses and more dereliction across the country. "

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:
"There is a reduction in 45% in the construction since the property crash . In the 1990s there was 40% more local authorities housing. "

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:
"We need to incentivise the individuals and couples to build their houses by allowing them to get interest rates at a cheaper rate and again , apply fair and balanced approach to this entire issue. The problem is that the larger well established investors and vulture funds are getting loans at 1/3 of the cost of a loan of the ordinary person who is trying to get onto the property ladder. Simply unfair."

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:
"One third of the population is currently in private health care. So to allow them to have free care would place an extra load on an already inefficient entity. There are people out there who can afford to pay and who are happy to pay. Allow those who are not able to pay to get more timely access."

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:
"develop all the road networks full stop. The example of the failure of the so called "balanced regional development plan " is on the Sligo/Coolooney by pass which after 22 or more deaths is only being addressed now in 2020. This is a measure of how successive governments viewed Sligo/Leitrim and Donegal in terms of their ambitious plans. Train services need also to be addressed and rural transport for those unable to access essential services all need to be invested in."

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

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:
"People are struggling as it is. Why on earth would be introduce a further tax on people who are already being taxed on practically every item that they consume and these taxes come after the vast majority of them have paid an income tax."

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
Comment:
"The suckler herd is already struggling already. They are already paying enough tax without any additional taxes, again fair play is required. If the rest of the world are doing their bit then perhaps we could review in a few years time but right now, the agricultural industry in this country is operating on a thread. We often see produce in the larger stores which has labels to the effect of "Fair Trade" tea or Fair Trade Bananas. How about Fair Trade for Irish Farmers?"

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:
"Firstly, I believe that everyone deserves a life, a home and the essentials such as education. Migration into Ireland should reflect the challenges in war torn areas. I believe we are doing our fair share in this area. Beyond this we should have no extra obligation beyond our present commitment."

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:
"They should receive the same respect as all citizens of the state. "

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 would like to draw people to my facebook page and have a look at my promotional photo and what each aspect of this photo depicts."

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:
"Small towns and villages should be asked to take asylum seekers subject to resources and services available to the area. We must be respectful to all involved and communicate effectively with each stake holder on these matters. In our region, we have shown enormous compassion towards asylum seekers over the past decade. We believe that everything should be considered in proportion and relative to the infrastructure and resources and services available in that small town or village. People should be allowed to raise their concerns without being labelled. Proper communication with each community about accommodating asylum seekers is essential. These decisions require collective collaboration as against forced measures. This is neither helpful to the residents of the area or the asylum seekers. "

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:
"The societal issues on depression and anxiety cannot be solved by mind-fullness."

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:
"On a positive side, if we were to trade as one unit, it would be worth 15 billion. But if the UK government is not funding the northern assembly you will not be able to sustain this. Who is responsible for pensions for example?"

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

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:
"More pressing issues here in this country at this point in time. "

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:
"People after the age of 18 are more mature and better able to assert their own independent minds. I would have concerns for those of a younger age who are by and large easily impressed upon by their peers and other such things."

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 believe that each nation state should be responsible for their own laws and regulations. The overarching rules and regulations from the EU are killing employment opportunities in Rural Ireland more than creating employment. In other words, self determination is paramount."

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:
"We always have had a neutral position and should not become involved in any political affairs other than our own."

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:
"We need to focus on our own set of complex problems as opposed to getting involved with very deep routed complex issues."