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Rita Harrold
Rita Harrold
Solidarity


Incumbent : No

Party positions on the election issues:

These positions were provided by the party

EU

Ireland should remain in the EU

Some people believe that Ireland should leave the EU, particularly in the wake of Brexit, as the UK is our most important trading partner. Others argue that EU membership continues to be beneficial for Ireland, both economically, socially, and in terms of our political influence.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We favour international solidarity among working people. We are fighting for workers rights, women's rights and combating climate change. This will come into conflict with the big business dominated institutions of the EU and so we favour a socialist Ireland and a socialist Europe."

European integration has gone too far

Some people argue that the EU interferes too much in the affairs of member states, and powers should be returned to the national level. Others argue that further integration is necessary to tackle shared challenges like climate change and internet privacy rights and for economic stability.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The concentration of powers in the Commission and away from national parliaments creates a democratic deficit where ordinary working people have less of an ability to check or change a policy that is being implemented. Working class unity across borders is the way for force change throughout Europe."

Ireland should cooperate with other EU member states on defence

Ireland has recently joined the PESCO framework, which seeks to increase defence cooperation in the EU. It commits members to work together on military planning and to increase defence spending. It does not create an EU army, but some oppose it because they see it as a step in that direction.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Ireland should not co-operate militarily with the imperialist designs of the dominant capitalist powers in Europe. We are opposed to any steps towards an EU army and towards further militarisation - no to war."

If an EU member state is overwhelmed with asylum applications, other member states (including Ireland) should share the burden

There is an unequal distribution of asylum seekers across EU member states. In 2015 the EU introduced a one-off relocation scheme, moving asylum-seekers from Greece and Italy to other member states (including Ireland). Some have argued that a permanent relocation scheme should be introduced.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The capitalist crisis that started in 2008 has fuelled austerity, poverty and war, which in turn has created the refugee crisis. In these conditions the right to asylum and the right to flee from poverty and economic crisis must be safeguarded. "

Ireland should defend its low corporation tax in the face of pressure for EU harmonisation

Ireland's low corporate tax makes it an attractive location for multinationals, which are a major employer in Ireland. It has also led to accusations of Ireland being a ‘tax haven’. The European Commission has proposed harmonising corporate tax rules to create a level playing field across the EU.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"A strong indigenous industrial base is necessary for an economy with decent pay & conditions and proper public services. We favour doubling corporation tax, and taking into democratic public ownership any major corporations who threaten to cut jobs or pull out as a result of tax increases."

Brexit

In the wake of Brexit, a referendum should be held on Irish unity

The Good Friday Agreement allows for a unification referendum (‘border poll’) in Northern Ireland and the Republic, if there is evidence that it is desired by a majority. Some have argued that, in light of Brexit, this should now be put on the agenda. Others believe that it would be divisive.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We recognise desire of Catholic population in Northern Ireland for a United Ireland. We also recognise the opposition of the Protestant population to this, where they fear they would be a discriminated minority. A border poll would likely create the basis for serious sectarian conflict."

Ireland should refuse to install checks on the border with Northern Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, Ireland would have different customs and regulatory requirements to Northern Ireland. The EU may require that Ireland establish border checks with Northern Ireland to ensure the integrity of the EU’s single market.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The trade union movement in the north & south, and in England, Scotland and Wales, should act together. They must defend the jobs, pay and conditions of all workers, migrant rights and food & environmental standards against any attempts by bosses to take advantage of Brexit and trade negotiations."

Tax and Spending

Wealthy people should have to pay more tax than they do now

Some believe that there should be greater redistribution of wealth from rich to poor, achieved through taxes on income or wealth. Others believe that taxes are high enough already, and increases could be bad for the economy.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The 300 richest individuals in Ireland hoard €80 billion euro in wealth. We are in favour of a wealth tax, a Financial Transactions Tax and a significant increase in Corporation Tax. "

Increases in public spending should be prioritised over tax cuts

During the recession, new taxes were introduced (e.g. USC) and spending was cut on public services. Some argue that the government should now cut taxes to put money back into people’s pockets. Others argue that the priority should be to increase public spending in areas such as housing and health.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We are in favour of increasing taxes on the rich and big business, we are not in favour of increasing the tax burden on ordinary workers, who are already experiencing a serious squeeze. We do not support a policy of levying charges or taxes as a means to alter human behaviour and actions."

Environment and transport

Increases to carbon tax should be opposed

Carbon tax is a tax on fossil fuels such as oil, petrol, diesel, and gas. Currently, Ireland has a carbon tax of €20 per tonne of CO2. The Climate Change Advisory Council recommends that this is gradually increased to €80 per tonne in order to reduce emissions and tackle climate change.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We are in favour of carbon tax on big business and big agri-business as they are the greatest polluters. Industries that refuse to engage in a rapid transition to a carbon-zero approach should be taken into public ownership. No to a carbon tax that punishes working people."

The government should prioritise spending on public transport and cycle lanes over roads

Some argue that we need to reduce our dependence on cars, and invest in sustainable transport instead. Others argue that failing to invest in our road network will damage the economy. The current capital investment plan includes more spending on roads than on public transport and cycleways.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"We are in favour of the massive extension of trains, trams and buses. Fares for public transport should be scrapped for all. No one in an urban area should live more than five minutes from a train, tram or bus stop that is serviced at least every ten minutes at peak hours. "

Social issues

More should be done to provide accommodation for Travellers, even if there is local opposition

The Department of the Environment provides funding to local authorities for Traveller accommodation (e.g. halting sites and group housing schemes), but many local authorities have been reluctant to build these sites due to local opposition, and much of the money allocated for this remains unspent.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"It is scandalous that some local authorities have spent nothing on Traveller accommodation. The Traveller Community has been abused by the Irish state and it is vital now that there is serious action taken to meet their accommodation needs and provide all necessary public services and facilities. "

There should be mandatory sentencing for violent crimes

A mandatory sentence is one which must be imposed regardless of the individual circumstances of the case. Currently, murder carries a mandatory life sentence in Ireland, and some drug trafficking and firearm offenses have mandatory sentences. For other crimes, judges have discretion on sentencing.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"While it is vital that society is protected at the same time we do not agree with rigidity of mandatory sentences which can result in disproportionate outcomes and don't act as a deterrent."

The liberalisation of abortion in Ireland has gone too far

The legislation introduced after the 2018 referendum allows for terminations for any reason up to 12 weeks in a pregnancy. Terminations are only permitted after this date (and before the foetus becomes viable) if there is a serious risk to the health of the pregnant woman.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The provision of abortion on request up to 12 weeks is absolutely essential and hard fought for legal change . However further legal change is still necessary given that it has come to light that some women with tragic fatal Foetal diagnoses still have to travel to access a termination. "

A lot more religious-run schools should become multi-denominational

96% of primary schools in Ireland are religious-run. There is an ongoing ‘divestment’ process, designed to change some schools with a religious patron (such as the Catholic Church) to become multi-denominational schools. Some schools and religious leaders oppose the plan.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"Public schools should be secular with time for optional religious instruction of all the different faiths in an after school setting. Progressive, age appropriate, consent-based and lgbtq inclusive sex education needs to be provided in school as a matter of course."

International

Ireland should boycott Israeli goods produced in the occupied territories

The ‘Occupied Territories’ bill will make it an offence to import goods from an occupied territory. Supporters say this will show solidarity with Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Critics say it discriminates unfairly against Israel, and threatens important economic links with the US.
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion
Comment:
"The settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are a weapon of war against the Palestinian people, used to occupy and annex land. We support a boycott of settlement goods and call on the trade union movement to use its power to ensure that workers refuse to handle these goods."