Independent Ireland, the recently formed political party, has unveiled an ambitious manifesto featuring pledges to extend light rail services to all counties and provide subsidised rental accommodation for front-line workers.
Launched in Athlone, the 25-page document titled ‘Common sense solutions for a better Ireland’ outlines the party’s vision, including the creation of a new Department of Efficiency aimed at saving €2 billion annually through improved government spending.
Led by TDs Michael Collins, Richard O’Donoghue, and Michael Fitzmaurice, the party has proposed significant changes to housing policy, including declaring a housing emergency and reducing VAT on building materials. Their housing strategy notably includes rental subsidies for nurses, junior doctors, teachers, gardaí, defence forces members, and fire service personnel.
On climate policy, the party has pledged to freeze “green taxes” and abandon what they term the “unachievable net zero agenda,” instead advocating for what they describe as a balanced approach to environmental and economic concerns.
According to The Journal, The manifesto also addresses tax reform, proposing to raise the entry point for the 40% tax rate to €50,000 and reduce taxation on overtime work. Other key proposals include abolishing means testing for carers and automatically issuing medical cards to cancer patients during treatment.
Since its establishment last November, Independent Ireland has already secured representation in the European Parliament through former RTÉ correspondent Ciaran Mullooly and has 23 local councillors serving nationwide.
The party’s ambitious transport proposal promises to complete feasibility studies for nationwide light rail services within two years of entering government.