Pearse Doherty, the spokesperson for Sinn Féin, has publically criticised the Government, declaring their inability to deliver any true reform. He described the current Coalition as consistent squanderers, demonstrated repeatedly. Furthermore, he highlighted the government’s shortcomings, giving examples such as the contentious bicycle shelter at Leinster House and the escalating expenses for the national children’s hospital. He emphasised that the Government has displayed its ineffectiveness in achieving value for money.
Speaking in the Irish Parliament, the Dáil Éireann, while reacting to the 2025 Budget announcement, he stated many citizens are unable to experience the positive impact of the millions and billions of euro being spent. The key concern for majority of the public lies in their financial situation at the end of the week, after all expenses have been covered, and whether any funds are leftover.
Doherty criticised the budget as it lacked any substantial measures for housing; it failed not only housing, but affordable housing and tenants as well. He added that it was akin to the government surrendering on these matters. He also targeted Simon Harris, describing him as a Prime Minister more interested in generating media attention than addressing housing issues, with the current budget reflecting that.
Ged Nash, the spokesperson for Labour Party on financial matters, referred to the budget as an anomaly, highlighting the irony of a thriving employment rate alongside one out five wage earners earning less than the living wage. Despite the excessive surpluses that other European nations may envy, he lamented the state of public services and crumbling infrastructure, arguing that they are a national embarrassment. Money is not an issue after ten years of continual growth, but the country is restricted by the lack of creativity and foresight preventing nation’s progression, according to Nash. He calls for a general election, claiming that the nation requires a new approach.
Representing the Social Democrats, finance spokesperson Róisín Shortall dubbed the expansive budget a “giveaway on steroids”, but deplored that the government of having plentiful amounts yet doing very little to bring substantial change.
Ms Shortall argues that the key motive behind the budget is the government parties’ wish to secure their own survival. She further suggested it bore marked similarity to a budget under [Ahern] – scatter cash liberally, shift focus, and bank on this carrying an election victory.
People Before Profit representative, Richard Boyd Barrett, voiced his disapproval, commenting that even with ample resources, the budget brings no solution to the currently escalating housing crisis. He opined that the Coalition had a chance to bring true change through the budget, instead they chose to fund short-term schemes in a bid to secure favour ahead of the general elections.
This year, the goal was set at 10,000 social and 6,000 affordable houses, and this bar remains the same for the following year. This, according to Richard Boyd Barrett, is stupefying.
The leader of Aontú, Peadar Tóibín views the budget as a McCreevy archetype, prioritising increased poll numbers rather than lifting citizens out of poverty. He expressed his concern on the inaction about Ireland having the highest electricity prices in Europe despite the claimed electricity credits which are negated by increases to the PSO (Public Service Obligation) levy and carbon taxes.
Seán Canney, Regional Independent MP was troubled about the perennial issues concerning northwest, a region he described as “in decline”. Even with the budget dispensed, he challenged: “The Galway city outer bypass, where is it?”, and praised developments towards Cork port but questioned about Galway port. He also raised concerns about the Western Rail Corridor.
Lastly, Rural Independent MP Mattie McGrath described the budget as patchy and predictably risky.