AONTÚ LEADER PEADAR Tóibín railed against Government and its “destroying” of the “social contract” in his leader’s address as his party’s Ard Fheis in Portlaoise this evening. 

Addressing delegates, Tóibín spoke about homelessness, lower birth rates, the housing crisis, the recent increase in the cost of fuel at the pumps, and taxes.

Tóibín had stated before the Ard Fheis that he wishes for his party to enter Government following the next general election – even stating that he believes Aontú will increase its number of TDs from two to “at least a dozen” in that time.

He said Aontú would be open to entering Government with Fianna Fáil, which he says lacks a core ideology and will therefore be easier to lead.

In his address this evening, he outlined Aontú’s plans for a Programme for Government if they were to swap from Opposition to Government benches.

Fixing the housing crisis

Tóibín blamed both “red tape” and immigration for the housing crisis, saying Government is increasing the population of Ireland by 100,000 people a year. 

“Aontú in Government will implement a stricter immigration system,” he said. “We will help those who need help, but we process those who don’t in a speedy fashion and reurn them home.”

He said the housing crisis is “fixable” and Aontú would remove the barriers to “owning your own home”. He pointed to delays with Ireland’s planning system, including procurement, tendering, and judicial reviews.

He said Aontú would reduce VAT on home building to increase viability. 

“This government’s policies have set a ‘middle-income trap’ where families are ‘too
wealthy’ for a local authority house but ‘too poor’ to survive the rental market,” he said.

Taxes

Aontú party leader Peadar Tóibín holding a scrape M50 tolls placard with Galway West By Election candidate Orla Nugent and Dublin Central By Election candidate Noel Smyth at the party's Ard Fheis in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie / © RollingNews.ie

As well as speaking against the level of excise and duty placed on petrol and diesel, Tóibín also pledged to scrap M50 tolls if his party make it to Government.

Describing it as a “tax on work” and “tax on commuters”, the Meath TD said the motorway tax is a “cash cow” being “milked” by Government.

He also emphasised Aontú’s commitment to maintaining the Triple Lock, Irish unity, and its dedication to accountability. 

The party is running candidates in the upcoming by-elections in Galway West with Orla Nugent and in Dublin Central with Ian Noel Smith.