Our General Election Manifesto 2024

21.11.24 06:02 PM

Building a Brighter Future with Sinn Féin's Vision for Change

Ireland stands at a crossroads, and the upcoming election offers us an opportunity to choose a government that works for all people. Sinn Féin’s manifesto, "The Choice for Change", is a detailed roadmap to address the challenges we face today—housing, healthcare, the cost of living, and the reunification of our island. This blog outlines how Sinn Féin will deliver real change for workers, families, and communities across Ireland.


Fixing the Housing Crisis

Ireland’s housing crisis has left too many without secure, affordable homes. Sinn Féin is ready to tackle this head-on with the largest social and affordable housing programme in the history of the state.

  • 300,000 new homes by 2029, including 125,000 public homes for affordable rent, purchase, and social housing.
  • Affordable living: Homes priced at €250,000 for purchase or €1,000/month for rent.
  • Ending Homelessness: A commitment to eliminate long-term homelessness by 2030.
  • Reform of planning systems and activation of vacant and derelict properties to expedite housing delivery.

Our vision ensures that housing is no longer a privilege for the few but a right for everyone.


Transforming Healthcare for All

A robust healthcare system is at the heart of any thriving society, and Sinn Féin is determined to build an Irish National Health Service that delivers for everyone.

  • Universal Healthcare: Free prescription medicines and expanded medical card eligibility.
  • Mental Health Overhaul: Establish a new Child and Youth Mental Health Service with a €250m investment.
  • Hospital Capacity: Add 5,000 new hospital beds and 2,000 community beds by 2031.
  • Workforce Expansion: Recruit 40,000 healthcare professionals and double health training places.

Healthcare is a human right, and Sinn Féin’s plan will ensure timely access to services for all.


Easing the Cost of Living Crisis

The rising cost of living has left families struggling to make ends meet. Sinn Féin is committed to making life more affordable for workers and families.

  • USC Abolition: Remove the Universal Social Charge on the first €45,000 of income, putting over €1,100 annually back in the pockets of average workers.
  • Childcare for €10 a day, supported by fair pay for early years educators.
  • Support for Renters: Ban rent increases for three years and introduce a €1,000 rent credit for adults.
  • Affordable Utilities: Greater oversight of energy markets to reduce electricity prices and halt unnecessary carbon tax increases.

These measures will help families breathe easier and provide stability in uncertain times.


Planning for a United Ireland

Sinn Féin’s vision for Irish reunification is grounded in practicality, inclusivity, and progress.

  • Hold a referendum on reunification by the end of the decade.
  • Establish a Reunification and One Ireland unit within the Taoiseach’s office and appoint a dedicated Minister for Reunification.
  • Strengthen North-South cooperation in health, education, and the economy.
  • Maximise the benefits of an all-island economy for prosperity and growth.

Reunification is not just about geography; it’s about unlocking the full potential of our shared island for all communities.


Championing Accountability and Political Reform

Sinn Féin is committed to restoring trust in public administration and political leadership.

  • Reform public services to reduce outsourcing and ensure fair pay for workers.
  • Establish an independent Standards and Anti-Corruption Commission with expanded powers.
  • Overhaul the political expenses system for transparency and fairness.

Our focus is on putting citizens first, ending cronyism, and building a government that works for the people.


Empowering Communities Through Economic Growth

A strong economy is built on regional development, support for small businesses, and innovative approaches to local wealth creation.

  • Regional Development: Invest in rural areas and support high-potential industries like renewable energy and AI.
  • Support for SMEs: Expand access to low-cost credit and encourage community-driven businesses, such as workers’ cooperatives.
  • Community Wealth Building: Build opportunities from the ground up to recirculate wealth within local economies.

By investing in people and their communities, we can create a resilient and balanced economy for the future.


Protecting the Environment and Fighting Climate Change

Climate justice is central to Sinn Féin’s platform, with a focus on fairness and sustainability.

  • Renewable Energy Investment: Launch a €2.5bn Renewable Energy Fund.
  • Home Retrofits: Make energy-efficient home upgrades affordable for all households.
  • Biodiversity: Establish a Nature Restoration Fund to protect Ireland’s natural resources.

Ireland can and must meet its climate targets while ensuring no one is left behind.


Investing in Education and Youth

Education should be a right, not a privilege, and Sinn Féin is ready to make that a reality.

  • Abolish student fees within three years.
  • Provide free schoolbooks for all students and expand hot meals programmes.
  • Prioritise funding for special education services and reduce waiting times for supports.

These policies will ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background.


Conclusion

At Sinn Féin, we believe in an Ireland where no one is left behind—a country with affordable housing, world-class healthcare, and equal opportunities for all. The future is in our hands. Let’s seize this opportunity to build a brighter, fairer, and united Ireland.


Join us in making this vision a reality. Together, we can create the Ireland we deserve.

Paul Donnelly

Paul Donnelly

Sinn Féin T.D. | Vote 1 DONNELLY, Paul
https://www.pauldonnellytd.ie/

Fighting for affordable housing, better healthcare, and community development across Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Mulhuddart, Clonsilla, Ongar, Tyrrelstown, Hollystown and all of Dublin West.