Profit Before People-Solidarity, a political party, has proposed the utilisation of the state’s €13 billion Apple case windfall to establish a Government construction company. The firm’s purpose would be erecting numerous social homes, reportedly needed by over 100,000 families that have been on waiting lists for ten years or longer. This idea was proposed at the group’s annual meeting in Dublin by Richard Boyd-Barrett, a Dún Laoghaire TD.
Boyd-Barrett stated that the young demographic of society doesn’t stand a chance at owning or leasing property. He noted that homelessness is at an all-time high, and the only benefactors are those profiting from rental income, which includes vulture funds.
Their alliance currently has five TDs in Dáil but is hopeful of expanding their representation following the general election. Boyd-Barrett dismissed the argument that the election outcome is already determined. He maintained that their group offers a solid alternative and is striving to establish a genuinely left-wing government unwilling to support Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.
Boyd-Barrett furthermore criticised the government for indirectly supporting the Gaza occupation and Lebanon invasion by letting American military flights pass through Shannon Airport and permitting Israeli unions to enter Irish airspace. He challenged Taoiseach Simon Harris to hold a discussion with US President Joe Biden about the latter’s complicity in the Gaza genocide.
Paul Murphy, a fellow member, echoed his sentiments and emphasised the need to reinstitute the eviction ban. He argued that society should operate with a focus on meeting people’s needs, which includes steps like reinstating the eviction ban.