Potential discussions for a political coalition within the Dublin City Council are reportedly facing challenges due to disagreements regarding the rates of the local property tax (LPT). Last week, Daithí Doolan of the Sinn Féin party voiced his desire for a ‘progressive positive alliance’ concentrated on key areas like housing, transport, and the environment, and had confirmed conversations with the Greens, Social Democrats, and Labour were underway.
Sinn Féin has nine positions on the council, while the Social Democrats hold 10, the Green Party occupies eight, and Labour holds four. Together they make up a group of 31, which needs the support of an independent left-leaning council member or a member from People Before Profit to establish a majority.
But, the Labour faction has withdrawn from the talks because of Sinn Féin’s approach to LPT. This tax, reliant on a property’s worth, has a base rate that the council can adjust by up to 15 per cent. Historically, the Dublin City Council chose to decrease it by the greatest amount possible each year.
The previous year, Labour, the Greens, and the Social Democrats proposed a motion to enforce the full base rate. Even though this motion was defeated, the parties contend it would have led to improved services for Dublin residents by boosting homeowners’ bills.
Darragh Moriarty of the Labour party asserted that any new council alliance could be deemed ‘progressive’ only if there was progress concerning LPT. The councillor underlined that Labour, Social Democrats, and the Greens on the council have been opposing tax cuts for affluent property owners via the LPT since 2015. This pushback claimed that over €125 million could have been diverted into citywide services.
“It is disheartening to notice that the ‘progressive alliance’s’ proposed amendments do not present any alterations for the local property tax, a change that was declined by Sinn Féin during discussions,” expresses his dismay. “It is regrettable that the Social Democrats are starting to follow Sinn Féin’s populist narrative, forsaking their fundamental values in the process.”
Mr Doolan affirmed that his political group was against the LPT, and pledged to consistently vote for its maximum reduction. However, he stated that the Labour party has not yet proposed modifications to the preliminary agreement to partake in power-sharing initiatives. Conversations with other ‘progressive’ representatives would be maintained by Sinn Féin.
The ongoing discussions within the Green Party were brought into light. Communication could not be established with the Social Democrats’ negotiators on Monday evening. Note is made of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, who are believed to be persistently communicating with an assortment of factions.