General Election Debate

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Historically opposed parties forming a coalition alongside the Green Party, something unprecedented at the time, however, over the course of their tenure, it has become difficult to imagine a future government without these two powerhouses working together. Despite significant wavering in the polls since their peak in 2022, Mary Lou McDonald’s Sinn Féin seemingly stands in their way, as the only party popular enough to potentially provide a government without either Civil War party in power. We’re on the precipice of one of the most important elections of our lifetimes, facing a crushing housing crisis, the looming threat of a second Donald Trump presidency, and rising anger related to how we’re handling the immigrants entering our land. The youth vote has been highly contested amongst the three aforementioned political parties, with Harris and McDonald in particular spending time visiting DCU, where they were met with enthusiastic voices, concerned with the future of our country. In order to gain a deeper understanding of where Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil, and Fine Gael stood on the most pressing issues held by young people, I offered an invitation to representatives from their respective societies here in Maynooth University to a debate. We gathered on Wednesday 27th to discuss shared concerns, in particular the areas of Housing, Climate, Education, Immigration, Health, and International Relations.  

Housing 

We opened with perhaps the most contentious issue of this election campaign, Housing. I began by asking Sinn Féin for their plan to tackle the devastating homelessness crisis. They stated that the current government has failed with housing, and if given the chance, Sinn Féin would aim to build 60,000 homes a year, consisting of a mix of social housing, houses that are affordable to rent, and some private homes too. Suggesting that houses should be built on public land, Fine Gael raised the point that under Sinn Féin’s plan people would own the home but not the land itself, an issue which was also highlighted in the RTE Leaders Debate, particularly regarding the mortgage application process. 

In our debate, Sinn Fein reminded us that those issues can’t be fully resolved or determined unless they have the opportunity to come into government. 

Fine Gael reminded us of the challenges posed to the building of new houses which they have faced whilst in government, in particular Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. They referred to the crucial need to up the supply of housing and defended the extension of the Help to Buy Scheme. 

Fianna Fáil acknowledged the dire state of housing in the country at the moment, insisting that providing more social homes is crucial in resolving the issue, again defending the Help to Buy Scheme upon a challenge by Sinn Féin, highlighting how it has helped many first-time buyers. All parties also noted that more money needs to be put into apprenticeship schemes to tackle the labour shortages the industry is facing.  

Climate 

Climate Change was the next issue up for discussion, with Fianna Fáil pointing out that this is not just a national issue, rather an international problem where we all need to play our part. Their manifesto aims to decarbonise our economy were highlighted, as well as ensuring that farmers aren’t punished by any new policies that are implemented.  

The Green Party recently suggested their lack of confidence in their coalition partners’ commitment to addressing climate change. I posed this to Fine Gael, who reinstated the measures that they’re hoping to implement to transition Ireland into a zero-emission society, stating that the controversial carbon tax helps invest in things that override the effects of pollution. They also believe that increased training and higher wages are important for getting more workers into the public transport industry.  

Sinn Féin disagreed with the further increases to the carbon tax, stating that companies should face the brunt of taxation for their emissions, rather than average people. They stated that current public transport infrastructure is not sufficient, therefore people should not be punished with the carbon tax as they have no choice other than to use their cars, particularly in rural areas.  

Education 

Michael O’Leary, Ryanair CEO, made headlines weeks ago for his comments at a Fine Gael event stating that he wouldn’t trust teachers to get things done. Fine Gael states that his comments don’t represent their party’s beliefs, and students and young people should maintain trust in them, as they plan to continue reducing college fees. 

Sinn Féin asked why they wouldn't commit to abolishing fees entirely, and Fine Gael responded stating that Ireland has a €50 billion trade fund to protect due to the uncertainty caused by the US election and have to be careful with their sources of revenue. Sinn Féin believes that in order for teachers to stay in Ireland, we need to give them graduate job offers, and this same idea should be applied to student nurses. They stated that SNAs shouldn’t always be contracted part-time, to avoid them constantly reapplying for the same job. Sinn Féin claimed it's important to cut funding to private schools, which would allow for a further reduction, and eventual abolishment of the student contribution fee. 

Fianna Fáil addressed the €9 million spent on phone pouches (and the additional €2 million maintenance cost year-on-year as Sinn Fein mentioned), claiming that it was money spent in the right direction, addressing bullying in schools which often results through the use of mobile phones. They reminded us of the policies Fianna Fáil have introduced, such as introducing free second level education, and increasing transport to schools.  

Health 

The issue of the Children’s Hospital, the most expensive hospital ever, and one of the most expensive buildings in history, was addressed by Fine Gael. They acknowledged that the cost is a disgrace, and has spiralled out of control, yet they reminded us that the EU government was in favour of the development of the hospital.  They reiterated that the Children’s Hospital has already supported thousands of children and will continue to do so. 

Sinn Féin acknowledged the state of CAMHS, citing cases where people were left waiting for years at a time. They suggest an increase on mental health spending by injecting €250 million into the sector, with their priority being the training and hiring of more therapists and psychologists to deal with such a high demand for their services. 

Fianna Fáil detailed how their manifesto acknowledges the eye watering costs of healthcare, and the state of CAMHS, highlighting that serious conversations are required here. I referred to Martin’s suggestion to decriminalise possession of cannabis, and how critics think this counteracts the government’s attempts to ban vaping. Fianna Fáil responded by stating that this decriminalisation aims to help addicts, and not impose a criminal sentence on them, highlighting the need for an all-island rehab institution to help those suffering with addiction.  

International Relations 

Unfortunately, time was against us as we reached the end of our debate, so our International Relations conversation was limited. Regarding the genocide in Gaza, I mentioned the blockade of the Occupied Territories Bill by both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, which has been criticised in particular by Richard Boyd Barrett’s People Before Profit. Fianna Fáil supports the bill but says that it needs reworking so it stands up to any legal scrutiny that might come its way.  

Fine Gael also highlighted their support, but think more time is needed, and it would be a priority if they returned to government.  

Sinn Féin noted that the US transporting weapons through Shannon Airport must immediately stop, as to end Irish complicity in genocide. They believed recognising Palestinian statehood isn’t enough.  

Immigration 

Immigration, another key issue, which has increasingly caused anger and tension in Irish communities, has been of major importance in this election campaign. Fianna Fáil reminded us that asylum seekers being welcomed is non-negotiable due to international law, as long as documentation and requirements are in order. They acknowledged that areas can’t cope with the numbers of people coming in, and more communication is required to promote integration into communities. 

Fine Gael claimed to support the implementation of the EU immigration asylum pact and believes that immigrants need to be processed more efficiently. It was acknowledged that more staff is needed for this and working with EU partners is critical. They also took the chance to bring up the fact that Sinn Féin was initially against Ireland’s membership of the union.  

Sinn Féin acknowledged this, stating their party’s initial concern was to do with the adjustments to national law which was required upon joining the bloc. In regard to immigration, Sinn Féin stated that the immigration process needs to be efficient, fast, and fair, citing the difficulties with the number of people competing for resources in working class areas. They believed immigrants should be placed in more affluent areas.  

Elevator Pitch 

Before we ended our discussions, each party concluded their arguments with a statement of why people should trust them with their vote.  

Sinn Féin wants change from the 100 years of Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael rule, wanting new left leaning leadership, putting people first, not corporations, with an emphasis on people. 

Fine Gael highlights the stability they’ll provide in an uncertain future with Trump’s presidency looming, and their commitment to building more homes and lowering their costs.  

Fianna Fáil emphasised the importance of this election and took the opportunity to acknowledge that they haven’t achieved everything they wanted, but given time, they will get things done and we can move forward together. 

I’d like to thank the representatives from each of the parties for such an engaging debate, and no matter where your political allegiances lie, go vote, use your voice, and have your say on the future of our country.