What Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens promised in 2020

Election Promises vs. Reality: Analyzing the Coalition’s Track Record

Over the course of an election, many factors can influence outcomes, particularly as votes are counted and promises are put to the test. Micheál Martin’s experience in the 2020 general election serves as a prime example. Initially marked by a contentious atmosphere, with Fianna Fáil‘s manifesto containing 37 mentions of Fine Gael—mostly unfavorable—the political landscape shifted dramatically. A coalition emerged, prompting voters to reconsider what each party could realistically deliver. As we anticipate the upcoming elections, it becomes essential to evaluate how well the current government has adhered to its pledges during the last campaign.

Housing: A Lingering Crisis

Housing continues to be a foremost issue for the current government, with significant pledges made by both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. In early 2020, Fine Gael committed to providing between 35,000 and 40,000 new homes annually and promised the addition of 60,000 social houses over a five-year period. Fianna Fáil proposed building 50,000 affordable homes and facilitating the delivery of 200,000 new homes by 2025.

As of 2023, however, only 32,695 homes were delivered, falling short of the ambitious targets set. While this figure slightly exceeds the Housing for All global targets, the supply of social and affordable homes remains critically low amid rising homelessness and housing unaffordability. Furthermore, ongoing shortages have kept rents and purchase prices on a relentless upward trajectory.

Climate Commitments: Progress and Challenges

Under the leadership of the Green Party, environmental policy has gained substantial traction. The Greens aimed for a 7% reduction in emissions annually, with a target of cutting emissions by 50% by 2030. While the 7% yearly target has not yet been realized, 2023 saw significant progress in carbon budgeting, a key tool for managing emissions.

Retrofit initiatives have expanded as 40,000 homes received attention last year, though the initial target was set at 75,000. Notably, the party has made strides in enhancing public transport, even though they did not achieve certain goals, such as free transport for students or a €365 annual transport pass.

Education Reforms: Meeting Expectations

The government has made some headway in education reform, with all three coalition parties emphasizing the reduction of class sizes and improved funding for schools. Fianna Fáil’s target of reducing pupil-teacher ratios from 26:1 in 2020 to 20:1 by 2025 has yet to be fully realized, with ratios currently at 23:1. Despite Fine Gael’s previous commitment to freeze third-level fees, they have since been reduced, alongside substantial investments in capital and operational funding.

Childcare: Progress Made

In the realm of childcare, the current administration has exceeded baseline commitments regarding spending and subsidies for parents. While starting from a low base, these enhancements demonstrate tangible efforts toward addressing a critical area of need.

Pension Promises: Keeping the Faith

Pensions, which significantly influence voting behaviors among older demographics, saw commitments from both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to increase the State pension by around €25. This pledge was honored, reflecting a focus on an important voter base.

Tax Policy: Partial Fulfillment

Fine Gael’s promise to raise the threshold for higher tax rates to €50,000 from €42,000 has not yet been realized, but measures to cut the Universal Social Charge (USC) have been implemented, albeit through alternative mechanisms. Fine Gael successfully passed legislation regarding tipping, while Fianna Fáil’s proposal to reduce Capital Gains Tax to 25% remains unfulfilled. Additionally, Green Party ambitions surrounding wealth and flight taxes have not come to fruition.

Health Sector: Budget Increases Without Results

Healthcare spending has increased significantly, aligning with commitments from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, while the Green Party made various pledges without specific numerical targets. Fine Gael’s commitment to hire 5,000 additional nurses exceeded its expectations, with around 9,000 new nurses joining the workforce. However, despite increased healthcare spending, the sector has struggled to exhibit the anticipated improvements in service outcomes.

Miscellaneous Commitments: Overlooked Promises

Not all commitments require significant financial investment. The Greens had proposed exploring the elimination of homework in primary schools, and their inquiry appears to be ongoing. Meanwhile, some commitments have faded from public discussion, such as Fianna Fáil’s planned pothole reporting app.

As the next election approaches, citizens are encouraged to scrutinize their local candidates on these issues and hold them accountable for the promises made, both kept and broken.

Encouraging reader interaction, we invite you to share your thoughts on the government’s performance. Are the current coalition parties fulfilling their promises? What issues matter most to you as we await the next election? Respond in the comments below or share this article with your network.

For more insights on upcoming elections and political developments, read our related articles here.

Est 1: The⁣ tax policy has seen some adjustments, primarily aimed at⁢ easing the burden on middle-income earners. However, there are concerns about the overall fairness of ‌the system ‍and whether the measures taken are⁤ sufficient‍ to⁤ support⁢ lower-income households.​ The lack ⁢of⁤ comprehensive⁤ reform in ⁤this area‌ leaves many voters wanting more.

Interview with Guest 1:

Host: Thank you for joining us today, ‌Guest 1. Let’s discuss the current government’s track record in implementing their‌ election promises. Firstly,⁤ what are your thoughts on‌ the performance ⁣of the coalition in addressing the ⁤housing crisis?

Guest 1: The coalition has certainly acknowledged the ⁣severity of ‌the housing crisis and taken steps towards addressing it. However, the targets they ​set during the election campaign haven’t been met, which is⁢ disappointing. The shortfall⁢ in the supply of social and affordable homes has become more apparent, and the lack⁣ of progress in reducing homelessness is concerning. Additionally, the ongoing issue of rent and purchase ‍price increases shows that⁣ more needs to⁣ be done to ⁣ensure affordability for those in need.

Host: Moving onto climate‌ commitments, do you think⁢ the government has made sufficient progress?

Guest‌ 1:⁢ There‍ have been ⁢some positive developments in environmental policy, particularly in the​ area of carbon budgeting and expanding retrofit initiatives.⁣ However, the failure to⁣ meet some goals⁢ such as free public transport for students and‌ a €365 annual ​transport pass suggests there’s still room for improvement. the progress made so far is encouraging,‌ but there’s still work ‌to ‌be done to address‌ climate​ change ⁢effectively.

Host: ‍In terms of‌ education reforms, have you noticed any‌ significant changes since the coalition took power?

Guest 1: There have ‌been⁢ some improvements in education funding and ⁤reducing class sizes,⁣ which are welcome. However, the lack⁤ of⁣ progress in achieving the target of reducing ⁤pupil-teacher‌ ratios⁢ from​ 26:1 to 20:1 by 2025 is ‌concerning.​ While the promised increase⁢ in free preschool ⁣hours is a step in the right direction,⁢ more⁢ needs to be done to improve the overall quality of educational services.

Host:⁤ Pensions have been a hot-button issue ⁤in recent years. Have the government ⁣party’s kept ​their promise in this area?

Guest 1: Yes, the government⁣ has ‍raised⁢ the State pension threshold as promised, which is beneficial for older voters. This shows that they are ‍responsive to the concerns of ⁢a significant voting demographic.

Host: Tax policy has also been an area of⁣ interest. Have there been any significant changes in this ​area?

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