Find your match All Dublin North–West Candidates
Ian Croft

Ian Croft

Centre Party

  • Priority: Housing

    Affordable Housing: Deliver sustainable, affordable homes and tackle homelessness.

  • Priority: Social issues and education

    Increase garda presence. Improve mental health services/ reduce waiting times. Address strain on the system caused by unmanaged immigration policies

  • Priority: Transport

    Public Transport: Enhance bus, cycling, and walking infrastructure for local communities

These answers were provided by the candidate

Taxes and spending
1 of 32 questions
Money that is currently being saved for future policy challenges (such as climate change and an ageing population) should be spent now on things like housing and healthcare.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "While urgent issues like housing and healthcare need attention, we must balance immediate spending with future planning. Investing in sustainable housing and preventative healthcare now can ease future burdens, ensuring resources remain for challenges like climate change and ageing."

- Ian Croft
Taxes and spending
2 of 32 questions
Taxes on people earning over €100,000 a year should be increased.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Increasing taxes on higher earners must balance fairness with economic growth. Higher taxes can fund public services, but overly punitive rates risk driving talent and investment away. A fair, progressive tax system is key to ensuring both equity and competitiveness."

- Ian Croft
Taxes and spending
3 of 32 questions
The Universal Social Charge (USC) is a necessary source of revenue and should be kept.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The USC is a vital revenue source for public services, but it should be reviewed to ensure fairness. Reducing its burden on lower incomes while maintaining fiscal responsibility is key to balancing equity and sustainability."

- Ian Croft
Taxes and spending
4 of 32 questions
Tax on inheritance should be reduced, even if it means cutting back on public spending or increasing other taxes.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Inheritance tax is too high, especially on family homes, and should be reduced. Cuts must focus on fairness without drastic impacts on public services or shifting taxes unfairly elsewhere"

- Ian Croft
Taxes and spending
5 of 32 questions
Universal payments, such as child benefit and energy credits, should be replaced with more targeted measures aimed at the less well-off.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Universal payments are simple and reduce admin costs. Targeting the less well-off risks stigma and excluding those in need due to flawed means-testing. A balanced approach is best: maintain universality for key supports while enhancing targeting where it’s most effective."

- Ian Croft
Housing
6 of 32 questions
The government should focus on making houses more affordable rather than providing financial supports to first-time buyers.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Making housing more affordable through increased supply and reduced costs is more effective than financial supports, which can drive up prices and benefit sellers more than buyers. A focus on affordability ensures long-term solutions for first-time buyers and the broader housing market."

- Ian Croft
Housing
7 of 32 questions
Planning guidelines should be relaxed to allow for more one-off rural housing
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Planning rules for one-off rural housing should support local agricultural families while ensuring sustainability. Relaxing these rules risks sprawl but can help preserve rural communities. A balanced approach is needed to address housing accessibility while respecting environmental and legal limits"

- Ian Croft
Housing
8 of 32 questions
A rent freeze should be introduced across the country, even if it risks landlords leaving the market
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "A rent freeze may provide short-term relief but risks reducing rental supply if landlords exit the market. A better approach is increasing housing supply and tenant protections to ensure affordability and stability without unintended consequences."

- Ian Croft
Housing
9 of 32 questions
The Local Property Tax should be scrapped, even if it means less money available for local councils
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The Local Property Tax ensures funding for essential local services. Scrapping it would risk undermining councils' ability to serve communities. Reforming the tax to make it fairer, rather than removing it entirely, is a more sustainable approach"

- Ian Croft
Transport
10 of 32 questions
The provision of public transport (trains, light rail, buses) should be prioritised over building roads
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Public transport is key to reducing emissions and traffic, but roads remain vital for connectivity, especially in rural areas. A balanced approach is needed, prioritizing sustainable transport while maintaining essential road infrastructure."

- Ian Croft
Transport
11 of 32 questions
The passenger cap at Dublin airport should be lifted
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Lifting the passenger cap at Dublin Airport could boost economic activity but must balance with environmental concerns and local community impact. Expansion should align with sustainable practices and infrastructure improvements."

- Ian Croft
Environment, energy, agriculture
12 of 32 questions
Carbon taxes should continue to increase each year
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Carbon taxes incentivize greener choices but must be balanced to avoid disproportionate impacts on low-income households. Revenue should fund sustainable alternatives and energy affordability measures."

- Ian Croft
Environment, energy, agriculture
13 of 32 questions
Ireland should give up its exemption under the EU Nitrates directive
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Giving up Ireland’s exemption under the EU Nitrates Directive risks harming agriculture, a vital sector, but compliance with environmental goals is crucial. A balanced approach is needed to protect farming livelihoods while meeting EU sustainability targets."

- Ian Croft
Environment, energy, agriculture
14 of 32 questions
The government should introduce measures to significantly reduce the extent of livestock farming in Ireland
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Reducing livestock farming risks harming rural economies and food security but must be balanced with environmental goals. Support for farmers to adopt sustainable practices is a better solution than drastic cuts. "

- Ian Croft
Environment, energy, agriculture
15 of 32 questions
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals should be allowed in Ireland, to improve security of supply
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "LNG terminals can improve energy security but raise environmental concerns. Any approval should ensure alignment with climate goals and prioritize renewable energy development"

- Ian Croft
Social issues and education
16 of 32 questions
Abortion should be allowed in a wider range of circumstances.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Abortion laws should balance compassion and care with thoughtful consideration of societal values. Expanding access requires careful debate to reflect public consensus and ensure appropriate support systems are in place."

- Ian Croft
Social issues and education
17 of 32 questions
Policies to increase the representation of women in politics have gone too far
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Efforts to increase women’s representation in politics are essential for balanced decision-making. Progress must continue while ensuring merit-based selection and inclusive opportunities for all. "

- Ian Croft
Social issues and education
18 of 32 questions
New laws on hate speech should be introduced to protect vulnerable communities
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Free speech is vital in a democracy, and current proposals risk silencing dissent. Existing laws can address harmful speech without overreach, ensuring protection for all while upholding freedom of expression. "

- Ian Croft
Social issues and education
19 of 32 questions
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have too much power in Irish policy making
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "NGOs in Ireland lack transparency and accountability, with many being unproductive. Resources should focus on effective, efficient organisations that provide measurable value to society. Centre Party will take steps to defund any non-productive NGOs"

- Ian Croft
Social issues and education
20 of 32 questions
Religious instruction should only take place outside school hours in Irish primary schools
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Religious instruction can take place during school hours, but parents should have the option for faith education without it impacting inclusive learning. Schools must balance faith-based education with a diverse and inclusive environment"

- Ian Croft
Social issues and education
21 of 32 questions
Gender diversity and transgender issues should be taught in Irish primary schools
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Gender diversity and transgender issues are complex topics. Primary education should focus on core skills, with sensitive topics left to parents. Schools should ensure all students feel respected without promoting controversial ideologies."

- Ian Croft
Immigration and asylum
22 of 32 questions
More resources should be given to improving conditions for asylum seekers
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Enhancing conditions for genuine asylum seekers is important, but the system must be controlled. Many abuse current policies, and the government's decision to opt into the EU Migration and Asylum Pact undermines sovereignty. We support fair but firm immigration controls"

- Ian Croft
Immigration and asylum
23 of 32 questions
Communities should be obliged to take their fair share of asylum seekers, even if there is local opposition
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Communities should not be forced to accept asylum seekers against their will. Local input is vital for integration and social cohesion. We support controlled immigration policies that respect community concerns and ensure resources are sufficient"

- Ian Croft
Immigration and asylum
24 of 32 questions
Accommodation centres for asylum seekers should not be located in economically disadvantaged areas
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Accommodation centres should be distributed fairly to avoid overburdening economically disadvantaged areas. Controlled immigration policies must ensure equitable resource allocation and integration without straining vulnerable communities"

- Ian Croft
Immigration and asylum
25 of 32 questions
Rules on immigrant work permits and student visas should become more restrictive
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Work permits and student visas should prioritise national interests. Stricter rules can ensure immigration benefits the economy while preventing system abuse and maintaining opportunities for Irish workers and students."

- Ian Croft
Crime and policing
26 of 32 questions
The solution to anti-social behaviour lies in tackling poverty and disadvantage rather than tougher policing
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Tackling poverty and disadvantage is key to addressing anti-social behavior, but tougher policing is also necessary for immediate safety. A dual approach ensures both root causes and public security are addressed. "

- Ian Croft
Crime and policing
27 of 32 questions
Gardaí should take a more robust approach to dealing with political protests
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The Gardaí should uphold the law and ensure public safety during political protests, but a robust approach must balance firm enforcement with protecting free speech and the right to peaceful protest. "

- Ian Croft
Foreign policy and defence
28 of 32 questions
Ireland should continue to provide financial and political support to Ukraine in response to the ongoing war
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Ireland must prioritise its own national interests during challenging times. While solidarity with Ukraine might be important, further financial and political support should be reassessed to ensure it does not strain domestic resources or take precedence over pressing issues at home"

- Ian Croft
Foreign policy and defence
29 of 32 questions
The EU should suspend its trade agreement with Israel
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Trade agreements should not be suspended without due consideration. The EU must prioritize diplomacy and constructive dialogue while avoiding measures that harm economic cooperation or worsen tensions in the region"

- Ian Croft
Foreign policy and defence
30 of 32 questions
Ireland should retain its ‘triple lock’ rule for deploying troops abroad
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The 'triple lock' ensures Ireland’s neutrality and democratic oversight when deploying troops abroad. Retaining it safeguards sovereignty and avoids entanglement in conflicts not aligned with national interests. "

- Ian Croft
Foreign policy and defence
31 of 32 questions
Ireland should collaborate more with other EU member states on defence and security
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Collaboration on defense and security should respect Ireland's neutrality. While cooperation on shared threats like cybercrime is important, deeper military integration risks compromising sovereignty and independence. "

- Ian Croft
Irish unity
32 of 32 questions
A referendum on Irish unity should be held in the next five years
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Irish unity is an important goal, but a referendum must only be held when there is clear, widespread support and detailed plans for integration. Premature action risks division and instability. "

- Ian Croft

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