The Daily Star Ireland
The 2024 general election campaign is now in its 10th day, and the deadline for candidate nominations has passed. Over 600 candidates are expected to appear on the ballot across the 43 constituencies, with a record number of women among them.
Fine Gael unveiled its manifesto on Sunday, outlining plans to cut taxes by €7 billion, introduce a €1,000 savings fund for every newborn, and restructure the Office of Public Works.
In response, Fianna Fáil, the Coalition partner, critiqued the manifesto. Minister for Finance Jack Chambers pointed out that it lacks provisions for public sector pay increases and does not address the need for more employment in the healthcare sector.
Labour has presented its own manifesto, which includes six key missions focusing on areas like housing, climate change, and healthcare, should they be part of the next government.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald is expected to be out canvassing in Dublin on Sunday afternoon.
The next key deadline is Monday, November 18th, when candidates must withdraw if they choose to do so. This election is also the first where political parties must meet a 40% gender quota, or face losing half of their State funding.
