WhichCandidate My Results

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 Your position
Neither agree nor disagree Candidate position
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "We are in a time of crisis, we have record surpluses, we can do both. Investing into our communities, affordable housing, improved health, affordable childcare, & good jobs for workers - this means building a country to withstand crises. Ignoring the climate crisis will only cost us more in future."
- Marie Sherlock

Taxes and spending

2 of 32 questions

Taxes on people earning over €100,000 a year should be increased.

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "Let's adjust tax credits to inflation so people aren’t left behind. Paying your fair share helps us invest in better services for everyone. Imagine better public transport, healthcare, and safer communities! Your taxes should work for you - helping create a better life for all of us."
- Marie Sherlock

Taxes and spending

3 of 32 questions

The Universal Social Charge (USC) is a necessary source of revenue and should be kept.

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "We will increase bands in line with inflation, to protect workers. Tax cuts only mean services get worse. Dedicate the USC to health - investing into more beds, value healthcare workers with good pay and conditions, and disability services. A real impact on people's lives, not one off measures."
- Marie Sherlock

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 Match with candidate
No opinion

Comment: "Reducing the inheritance tax would disproportionately help the wealthiest 3%. It would take money away that could go to improving health, housing, disability services. For many, that means small gains from an inheritance tax cut would mean higher costs elsewhere."
- Marie Sherlock

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 Match with candidate
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "Universal payments have a proven positive impact, they support hard working people and families. We also have huge surpluses and we need to target some of that. A combined approach could have a clear long-term impact, reducing child poverty and lifting up communities."
- Marie Sherlock

Housing

6 of 32 questions

The government should focus on making houses more affordable rather than providing financial supports to first-time buyers.

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "These schemes just increase prices & don't build homes. Let's talk about increasing supply to really cut prices - We want turn vacant properties into homes, get the state building houses again, and invest massively into social and cost-rental housing to reach 20% of our supply."
- Marie Sherlock

Housing

7 of 32 questions

Planning guidelines should be relaxed to allow for more one-off rural housing

Agree
Neither agree nor disagree Candidate position
Disagree Your position
No opinion

Comments:

"There are clear controls on one off housing. These should be applied and the NPF updated to provide for more compact and clustered development, while allowing those that qualify to build homes on their own land as currently provided for. "

- Labour Party

Housing

8 of 32 questions

A rent freeze should be introduced across the country, even if it risks landlords leaving the market

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "Rents in Ireland have risen 27% since 2021 - people literally cannot afford to live in the communities they work in - nurses, carers, teachers - this spills into everything. On top of this we have 4000 homeless children. We need a pause to address the supply issue. I also support the eviction ban."
- Marie Sherlock

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 Your position
Disagree Candidate position
No opinion

Comment: "This is the most proven wealth tax in our country. You can't cut tax and promise spending. Local authorities, like DCC, need funds to invest into housing, waste, community parks and services. Cutting tax means cutting those services. I think people would happily pay tax if they felt an outcome."
- Marie Sherlock

Transport

10 of 32 questions

The provision of public transport (trains, light rail, buses) should be prioritised over building roads

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "People want to take public transport, but it has to be on time and convenient. Let's have a bit of ambition for our country. We want to increase capacity & frequency, develop new luas & dart lines, &(finally) start building Metrolink. We will focus on road safety, & make cycling easier & safer."
- Marie Sherlock

Transport

11 of 32 questions

The passenger cap at Dublin airport should be lifted

Agree
Neither agree nor disagree Candidate position
Disagree Your position
No opinion

Comments:

"The cap is a planning matter due to traffic concerns and will be addressed through that process. We want Metrolink, balanced regional development, enforcement of noise rules and sound insulation for local residents, and an aviation emissions reduction plan."

- Labour Party

Environment, energy, agriculture

12 of 32 questions

Carbon taxes should continue to increase each year

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "Climate action must support, not punish, our communities. I will fight for a street-by-street retrofitting scheme, put carbon tax funds into cutting energy bills & making homes warmer. Then extending the fuel allowance and introduce a €400 refundable carbon tax credit to support low-income families."
- Marie Sherlock

Environment, energy, agriculture

13 of 32 questions

Ireland should give up its exemption under the EU Nitrates directive

Agree Your position
Neither agree nor disagree Candidate position
Disagree
No opinion

Comments:

"The nitrates derogation will only be retained if supported by EPA data showing measurable improvements in water quality status. This requires changes to grassland management, lower stocking rates in some places, more use of protected urea, LESS and multi-species swards."

- Labour Party

Environment, energy, agriculture

14 of 32 questions

The government should introduce measures to significantly reduce the extent of livestock farming in Ireland

Agree Your position
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree Candidate position
No opinion

Comments:

"Meeting our climate targets means working closely with farmers who must be supported to diversify and produce food sustainably with a just transition. We support CAP reform and policies that protect the family farm model and that reward small farmers."

- Labour Party

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 Match with candidate
No opinion

Comment: "We need a revolutionary investment into our renewable energy infrastructure. We could lead the way in offshore wind energy if the political will was there. We can cut energy bills and promote good green jobs. LNG is a dirty fuel that will increase our emissions and harm public health."
- Marie Sherlock

Social issues and education

16 of 32 questions

Abortion should be allowed in a wider range of circumstances.

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "I campaigned to repeal the 8th amendment. Globally, the right to choose is under attack. As a Senator I have advocated to move beyond the restrictive 12-week rule and 3-day waiting period. I will fight to protect our rights. Too many women are still forced to travel for basic care."
- Marie Sherlock

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 Match with candidate
No opinion

Comment: "There are a lot of barriers facing women getting into politics, both financial and societal. Believe me, I know. Women are underrepresented. We need to take steps to encourage women to run and invest in our public services (like childcare) to reduce the financial barriers many women face to run."
- Marie Sherlock

Social issues and education

18 of 32 questions

New laws on hate speech should be introduced to protect vulnerable communities

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "Too many parties have let the scapegoating continue. Too many vulnerable people, especially the LGBTQ+ community, are being targeted with the intent to harm. I will fight to ensure our friends, family, and children do not have to live in fear because of who they are."
- Marie Sherlock

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 Match with candidate
No opinion

Comment: "NGOs provide a strong voice for their individual cause and carry out research and advocacy. That research is invaluable, it has brought so much positive change. They do such important work holding the government to account and promoting the voices of their relevant members."
- Marie Sherlock

Social issues and education

20 of 32 questions

Religious instruction should only take place outside school hours in Irish primary schools

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comments:

"Religion belief is a personal decision and instruction should take place outside school hours. We would implement more ambitious patronage divestment to multi-denominational bodies like Educate Together and ETBs to provide more choice to parents and recognise our growing diversity."

- Labour Party

Social issues and education

21 of 32 questions

Gender diversity and transgender issues should be taught in Irish primary schools

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "Trans people are being used as a political football to distract from other issues. Our children don't learn about every minor detail, we don't do that with any other issue, but they should be taught to understand and respect everyone. People want to overcomplicate it, but it's that simple."
- Marie Sherlock

Immigration and asylum

22 of 32 questions

More resources should be given to improving conditions for asylum seekers

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "These are human beings being used as political scapegoats. They are vulnerable people fleeing war zones & violence. In many cases they live trapped in atrocious conditions and are not allowed work. We need to replace the Direct provision system to be more humane, supporting better local integration."
- Marie Sherlock

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 Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "We all need to do our fair share to support asylum seekers. Some people are worried they won't be able to access local services - so let's invest in those services. The problem is not asylum seekers, it's a lack of investment in many communities. Lets see those local supports delivered."
- Marie Sherlock

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 Your position
Disagree Candidate position
No opinion

Comment: "We need a common sense, humane approach. We need a fair distribution of IP applicants - firstly located in well-serviced areas. We also need to improve resources going to and ensure good services in all areas accepting asylum seekers. That includes investing in GP care and affordable housing."
- Marie Sherlock

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 Match with candidate
No opinion

Comment: "We have full employment and businesses are struggling to find staff. Immigrants are our neighbors, friends, and families. They are a net gain for our economies and communities, filling gaps in vital jobs, like in construction & healthcare."
- Marie Sherlock

Crime and policing

26 of 32 questions

The solution to anti-social behaviour lies in tackling poverty and disadvantage rather than tougher policing

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "Yes we need more visible policing & investing in community policing. But let's be real, we know that poverty leads to crime for lots of reasons. We have tiny numbers of youth liaison officers and our youth services face so many challenges. Investing, lifting up communities is the solution."
- Marie Sherlock

Crime and policing

27 of 32 questions

Gardaí should take a more robust approach to dealing with political protests

Agree
Neither agree nor disagree Candidate position
Disagree Your position
No opinion

Comment: "Yes we need more visible policing & investing in community policing. But let's be real, we know that poverty leads to crime for lots of reasons. We have tiny numbers of youth liaison officers and our youth services face so many challenges. Investing, lifting up communities is the solution."
- Marie Sherlock

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 Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a violation of international law, we know of countless cases of war crimes. Ireland knows all too well the history of a larger neighbour invading and trying to claim land. We must do all we can to support Ukrainian refugees and Ukraine."
- Marie Sherlock

Foreign policy and defence

29 of 32 questions

The EU should suspend its trade agreement with Israel

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comment: "Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza, and we know some of their politicians are looking to expand that to the West Bank - suspending trade is the bare minimum, we must also pass the OTB, implement sanctions on the state and on specific politicians. What will we tell our children in 10 years time."
- Marie Sherlock

Foreign policy and defence

30 of 32 questions

Ireland should retain its ‘triple lock’ rule for deploying troops abroad

Agree Match with candidate
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
No opinion

Comments:

"Labour will retain the Triple Lock for approval of UN peacekeeping missions with changes to allow for larger, short-term deployments of personnel for emergency evacuations and protection missions, up from the current limit of 12 to protect our military neutrality. "

- Labour Party

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 Candidate position
Disagree Your position
No opinion

Comments:

"We would maintain our position of military neutrality and are against any deepening militarisation of the EU when NATO already provides those structures, but cooperation with EU partners on issues like cybersecurity and emergency planning may be necessary. "

- Labour Party

Irish unity

32 of 32 questions

A referendum on Irish unity should be held in the next five years

Agree Your position
Neither agree nor disagree Candidate position
Disagree
No opinion

Comments:

"We would set up a Department of Unification and will strive to achieve a United Ireland potentially within the next decade but a huge amount of planning work needs to be done in advance of a referendum including reconciling communities."

- Labour Party