Final Leaders’ Debate Highlights Economy and Housing as Key Issues

The Final Leaders’ Debate on Prime Time brought sharp exchanges among the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin, focusing heavily on two critical issues: housing and the economy. As the general election draws closer, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, Fine Gael’s Simon Harris, and Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald outlined the parties’ very different plans for the country.

Housing and Economy – Core Topics Of Final Leaders’ Debate

In the Final Leaders’ Debate, the major issues found to be contentious included housing and economy whereby each leader accused the other of having ill policies in government. Both Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael spokesman Simon Harris again reaffirmed a policy of not being involved with Sinn Féin – as they stressed over policy differences.

Mr. Martin insisted that there were no grey areas in relation to the decision of the Fianna Fáil not to form a government with Sinn Féin referring to the party’s housing policies as unsuitable and claiming that they are hostile to business. He stated unequivocally, “It’s definite that Fianna Fáil will not go into government with Sinn Féin.”

Fine Gael’s Simon Harris made the same point saying that the policy differences, particularly those over Europe and criminal justice, were too far apart to be bridged. “It’s not personal,” he clarified, “but the differences are too great.”

Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald quickly responded, describing Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael as branches of the same tree. She referred to their century-long dominance in Irish politics as the era of “Tweedledum and Tweedledee” and expressed confidence in her readiness to lead the next government.

Economic Policies: A Point of Fierce Debate

The Final Leaders’ Debate focused heavily on economic plans and showed contrast to a considerable degree. All three leaders committed large sums towards building an economic safety net for future shocks. But Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael were doubtful about Sinn Féin’s capacity to fund such measures.

Micheál Martin criticized Sinn Féin’s proposed tax policies, calling them “enormous” and detrimental to Ireland’s enterprise economy. He said: ‘Sinn Féin does not understand the enterprise economy, they don’t understand trade’. Simon Harris backed this point while arguing that Fine Gael’s approach to spending was more restrained and stating at the same time that Sinn Féin has not considered many details of economic reality.

Ms. McDonald negated such allegations claiming her realism and well appreciation of financial management. She argued in return that there had been a financial crisis under the watch of both the Fianna Fáil and the Fine Gael party. “People watching this programme still bear the scars of your crash and your austerity,” she remarked, pledging that Sinn Féin would avoid imposing austerity measures.

Housing Crisis: A Heated Exchange

Housing was one of the major points during the Final Leaders’ Debate, and all three leaders came up with a big vision to address the issue. Sinn Féin accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of rejecting the party’s reform proposals while the two major parties in government defended their record.

Mary Lou McDonald expressed her discontent with the outgoing government, whose representatives, apparently, fail to hear ordinary people’s grievances, and the issue of housing was among their most acute concerns. She accused them of being out of touch saying, ‘The Government does not seem capable of listening to people’s experience.’

Micheál Martin expressed disappointment at the slow pace of change under his party but pointed out some of the achievements. Simon Harris on his part concentrated on the issue of continuity and future strategic systems of housing.

The Role of Leadership and Accountability

Another point of interest during the Final Leaders’ Debate was controversy surrounding Simon Harris regarding recent media speculation over the treatment of a carer Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk. He admitted, “I failed to step up to the plate,” addressing concerns about his handling of the issue.

This was a chance for Mary Lou McDonald to complain about both Martin and Harris’s records on disability and carers’ issues. She said, “Both of you should feel very ashamed of your Government’s record on carers and disability.”

Mr. Harris stood up for long years of disability advocacy and spoke about the plans to extend and develop training courses in occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. Micheál Martin also acknowledged the need for improvement but went on to say that his party has moved in the right direction.

What Lies Ahead?

In the light of opinion polls suggesting the closeness of the race between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin, there was no knockout blow for any of the contenders in the Final Leaders’ Debate. 

For Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, stability is a key concept and both parties stress specific moderate reforms accompanied with the commitment to maintain the budget deficit low. Sinn Féin, however, offers change as the new government that will rattle the status quo on behalf of the people.

The Final Leaders’ Debate reminded us about housing and the economy as the topics important in this campaign. People will now elect the party they consider capable of addressing these challenges while attending to the gaps like disability services and addressing the economic shocks.

As the day of election approaches, these three leaders are still in the focus of public attention. The Final Leaders’ Debate may not have helped anyone determine who is the favourite to win the election but it was a good insight into what is important for the future of Ireland.

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