In what can only be described as a lacklustre debate, last night’s leaders’ debate failed to see any fireworks or heated arguments between the top three in the polls, Leo Varadkar, Mary Lou McDonald and Micheal Martin.
Mary lou McDonald was pressed by the panel but refused to say whether she’s in favour or opposed to the special criminal court. She said that she wants a review and believes in the courts.
Sinn Fein, she said was going to build 100k houses over 5 years. Miriam O’Callaghan said they had to realistic. Mary Lou McDonald said they have an ambition to have largest housing plan state has ever seen.
McDonald said that she wants to increase commercial stamp duty. She was accused of being soft on crime.
Fianna Fail’s Micheal Martin said that housing is the big issue this election. Deposit its proposed saving scheme intended to help young people save for houses, he denied it will drive prices up. He said that Ireland has to build more affordable homes and council houses on state land.
McDonald then accused both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael of creating the homeless crisis. She said that the decision taken at highest level that the private market was going to deal with houses.
McDonald said that she was going to freeze rents and said that it will be time bound for 3 years.
Both Martin and Mcdonald said that they’re both on the side of renters.
Moving on to health with David McCullagh (if you watched the debate, you’ll know this was a meme in itself!)
Leo Varadkar was claiming that Fine Gael spent time cleaning up the health service after Fianna Fail. He said that he regrets people are on trolleys etc. Said waiting lists are fallen and that there are some areas of progress. Slainte care has been signed up to by everyone.
McCullagh said that waiting on trolleys can kill you. Varadkar said he knows it’s an issue as a doctor.
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