A Clare auctioneer claims labour shortages in the construction industry will be the biggest issue the country will face in the coming years regardless of what promises on housing are made by politicians.
The first full week of campaigning in the General Election is well underway today, with a number of the main political parties setting out their stalls.
Sector representatives in this county have also been outlining what they want to see the next Government achieve.
Fianna Fail was the first party to launch it’s manifesto this morning, which runs to more than 30,000 words and focuses on state investments in pensions, reducing waiting lists and recruiting 5,000 extra Gardaí.
The Social Democrats is revealing details of a new Government agency it would set up to oversee public spending, while also setting up a new anti corruption agency.
Sinn Féin is launching its full slate of candidates and all parties are continuing canvassing.
Fine Gael, meanwhile, is committing to spending 10 billion euro of the Apple Tax money on housing, as it launched its policy document this morning, pledging to build 303 thousand homes from 2025 to 2030.
Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon says labour shortages are the biggest concern faced by this country, but is warning there’s no short-term solution, regardless of what any political party promises.
There have been clashes between the parties today over the VAT rate.
Fine Gael has proposed raising the rate from 9 to 11%, in order to reduce the burden on the hospitality sector from 13.5% to 11%.
Fianna Fáil is opposing the measure, warning it’ll lead to an increase in energy bills not only for businesses but households too.
The Social Democrats, Aontu, Independent Ireland and Sinn Féin have all claimed an 11% VAT rate for the hospitality sector won’t go far enough, given the pressures being faced by businesses.
Vice Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Board and Owner of Durty Nelly’s in Bunratty, Maurice Walsh agrees.
In every election, the state of the health service remains one of the key priorities on the campaign trail and one North Clare GP says there are four areas the next Government must focus on.
IMO GP Committee Member Dr Michael Kelleher says the issues of chronic disease, the aging population and endemic overcrowding, mental health, and health inequality or equal access to healthcare must be tackled.
The Lahinch-based GP says there’s one simple solution that can be implemented.
You can listen to the full interview here:
