The 1916 Easter Rising celebrations are all but over and now all focus is the formation of the 32nd Dáil and who will be in charge for the next five years, and with that both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael offering deals to Independents in order to make them the main political power in the Dáil.
It seems Fine Gael has taken the first step as Enda Kenny has claimed that he will slash taxes for rural publicans and ensure there is high-speed broadband in every bar in the country. The acting Taoiseach has reportedly also promised not to close any small schools in rural communities without the permission of parents if Independents and smaller parties vote for him to remain leader of the country. According to The Irish Independent, Fine Gael have already drawn up plans to sway smaller parties and Independents, which include a full commitment to bring high-speed broadband to every home and business within five years.
Mr Kenny and his party also claim they will improve the rural bus network, provide more grants for regional arts and culture centres and increase spending on mental health. It is thought that Mr Kenny’s team met with the Independent Alliance, the so called Rural Five, the Green party, the Healy-Rae brothers and Katherine Zappone, in order to gain support for their support to keep the Mayo TD in power.
According to the documents Fine Gael say they: “Will support pubs to diversify their range of services and products. As part of this we will endeavour to deliver access to high quality, high speed broadband to every pub in the country by 2020 as part of the National Broadband Plan.” “We will also remove the rate of duty for publicans’ licences for premises with an annual turnover of less than €190,500.”
The document also promises an extra €500m in State investment to accelerate export led jobs growth in rural communities This will reportedly include €300m in capital funding designated to Enterprise Ireland which will be used to support start-ups and small business. Whilst a further €200m will be given to Industry Development Authority (IDA) for building infrastructure in regional towns which will attract multinational investment.
A further €100m will be invested in the Wild Atlantic Way and Greenway. It is understood the proposals will include the extension of counselling services to people on low income and the extension of free mental health services for young people. Mr Kenny also says he plans to provide additional resources for psychiatry services and in the area of perinatal mental health.
Source: The Independent.ie