The Daily Star Ireland
As the General Election campaign approaches its final weekend, political parties are making last-minute efforts to attract undecided voters and solidify their base by focusing on critical issues.
Fine Gael plans to address the cost of living crisis by proposing the replacement of the Jobseeker’s Allowance with a new Working Age Payment and raising the higher tax band threshold by at least €2,000.
Fianna Fáil will concentrate on family support initiatives, including introducing a €200 monthly childcare cost cap and conducting a national audit of childcare places, which the party promises to implement within the first 100 days if re-elected.
Sinn Féin and People Before Profit-Solidarity are set to emphasize housing policies at separate events in Dublin. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald will be touring the southwest, visiting Limerick, Kerry, and Cork.
The Green Party aims to spotlight environmental issues, particularly the benefits of the plastic bottle deposit return scheme.
In other developments, Labour will launch its care sector plans online, while the Social Democrats will advocate for assurances on Ireland’s military neutrality, better pay and conditions for Defence Forces personnel, and the establishment of a new support office for retired veterans.
These policy announcements come just days before the General Election on Friday, 29 November, as parties strive to highlight their key issues and make a strong push in the final stretch of the campaign.
