Taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has declared that giving hope to young people in Ireland that they can afford to buy or rent a home is the “defining challenge of our time”. Delivering the keynote address at his party’s Ard Fheis in Dublin, Mr Martin emphasised that delivering the largest sustained programme of public investment was an “absolute priority”.
Trade and Economic Priorities
The Taoiseach also called for a “new national effort to secure our ability to trade with the world”. He told delegates that if Ireland wanted to be successful, it “must trade with the world”. Mr Martin stated: “Trade supports hundreds of thousands of jobs – providing the revenue which funds pensions and public services. So, disruption of trade through tariffs and closed borders is a direct threat to us. You cannot oppose trade and claim to support Irish jobs and businesses.” He argued that opening up new trading markets would “reduce reliance on traditional ones”.
Mr Martin added: “We have to build up our presence and our political engagement with more countries. And we have to support fair trade deals where they offer a clear opportunity for Ireland.” He stressed that economic and social progress “must go hand in hand”.
Housing Crisis
On housing, the Taoiseach said: “To give young people hope that they can find and afford a home to buy or rent is a defining challenge of our time. There is only one serious way of doing this – we need to build more homes, of every type and in every part of the country. We need action and investment, which is steady and relentless. Which permanently expands capacity to build homes – and gives priority to those seeking their first home.”
Mr Martin noted that 36,000 new homes were built last year but described this as “not enough”. He outlined plans to “implement our reforms to planning so that decisions are fair but also faster”, and to “deliver the largest programme ever of investment in critical services, so that the water, sewerage, power and roads we need for new homes are in place”. He also expressed determination to “push forward a new era in social housing as well as supports for people looking for a first home at an affordable price”.
Energy and International Issues
Referring to the war in the Middle East, the Taoiseach said it had made families feel the impact of rising energy and fuel prices. He pledged to “help those under most pressure through actions to reduce price levels and directly support those worst affected”. He argued that Ireland must “guarantee secure and affordable energy supplies in the future” and “go much further in reducing our dependence on imported gas and oil”. He said: “The move to clean and sustainable energy is vital for our environment – but it is also absolutely essential if we want to deal with high and rapidly changing prices.”
Turning to Northern Ireland, Mr Martin said “too little” had been done to secure the full benefits of the peace agreement, and described the Shared Island Initiative as “absolutely essential” – “an urgent and ambitious programme to build connections, deepen understanding and show the progress and prosperity which we all could share”.
European Union and Presidency
Mr Martin asserted that Ireland “cannot stand on the sidelines” at a time of international turmoil. He said: “In the face of those who want to hollow out the European Union, Ireland must be resolute. We can see in Britain how much damage they can do if left unchallenged.” He reiterated that Fianna Fail “passionately believes that a stronger, more dynamic, more effective European Union is in Ireland’s interests”.
The Taoiseach noted that in little more than six weeks, Ireland will take up the role of the European presidency. He said: “We will lead discussions on profoundly important issues – like deepening trade, supporting entrepreneurs, framing the EU budget, lowering the costs of doing business and protecting people against online threats. Support for democracy has defined our party since its foundation, and it will be central to our presidency as well.”
Earlier, protesters carrying Palestinian flags gathered at a gate at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, with a significant Garda presence during the demonstration. The Ard Fheis marked the centenary of the creation of Fianna Fail.
