(JJ Hurley)
Less than three days to go to the polls, we spoke to several voters on the issues that will influence their choice on Friday.
With our representative from the farming community, their choice in placing their mark was influenced by two issues.
‘Big issue for farmers is securing the next derogation and having a plan that lasts the duration of the nitrates program rather than chopping and changing as is currently the case,’ they said
‘The other key issue is regulation, both the cost and the continuing change in regulation and policy.
‘Farmers need certainty to have the confidence to invest in their farms, whether that is to increase slurry storage or become more efficient, but without clarity, farmer’s confidence is low on where the industry is going.’.
What of the urban dweller, what will draw their pencil to that all important number one in Friday’s ballot box?.
For this parent of two, his vote is going to be determined by specific core concerns.
'Obviously, housing is a big issue, and when I think about my teenage boys, I hope they will be able to afford to buy a house when the time comes,’ they said
'The health system has always been broken, and I have yet to see any party with policies to sort it.
'Climate change is not an issue for me.
I would consider myself centre right and believe that everyone should go to work.
'We should look after the elderly, people with disabilities and children, everyone else should work.
'I would have regulation for emigrants, but have no problem with people living here as long as they work and pay their way.'
A teacher expressed their frustration at what they felt was a downgrading of education as a central theme in the campaign.
“Policies in relation to education don’t seem to be front and centre with any of the political parties,’ remarked this individual
‘All the parties seem to focus primarily on cost-of-living issues and housing, which of course is understandable.
‘However, cost of living issues also impact school.
The provision of free access to school books is also greatly welcomed.
‘It should also be noted that the introduction of new senior cycle subjects and the reform of other subjects at senior cycle seems to be happening at a very rapid pace, with little consultation with the teaching profession.’
Preceding the worry of the cost of education for many parents is the cost and provision for child care.
We caught up with one provider of childcare services, who said, ‘As a voluntary notified childminder and a parent, I worry over the future of the childcare sector in the future.’
‘Very recent legislation changes will see by the year 2027 all childminders having to register with Tusla.
‘Whilst this is still in the early stages of planning and progressing, I would implore the parties to please, get this right’
On a positive note, the interviewee said, ‘With political parties promising €20 a day childcare, this is one area where real investment and structure, security and stability are vital in going forward.’
Our final person who revealed their voter intentions was a retired person, having experienced the long wait on a chair for over 20 hours, without even being provided with a blanket, this individual believed the older generation deserves better.
Reflecting on the position of many young people, they felt sorry for those young families locked out of the housing market.
‘You only have to walk down any main street and look up at all the empty buildings above ground floor premises, it is terrible,’ they reflected.
‘Our planning and development charges are stifling an opportunity for so many, we need radical change.’
Certainly, a broad opinion in making the difficult choice but the question is, who will those voters be attracted to?
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