Sinn Féin Leader on Dublin City Council, Cllr. Daithí Doolan, has said that a vote for the Labour Party in the local elections was a vote for propping up Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, and saddling struggling families and households with increased property tax in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

Cllr. Doolan’s comments were made following today’s reports that Dublin households will see their local property tax increase in 2026 as part of an agreement between the Labour Party and the government parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party.

He accused Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik of hollow words after her party reneged on her commitment made last week to develop a ‘progressive centre left and green’ movement.

Cllr. Doolan said:

“The Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik last week told us that there was now an opportunity to develop a progressive centre left and green movement in Ireland.

“A week later, progressive parties and independents looking to build such alliances in city and county councils right across the state have had the ground cut from under their feet by the actions of the Labour Party.

“True to form, the Labour Party has instead opted to prop up the government parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party.

“In Dublin, the Labour Party’s actions will saddle households, already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, with increased local property tax.

“Just as they did during the economic crash, the Labour Party has turned its back on their voters and jumped back into bed with the austerity parties at the first opportunity.

“The Labour Party had the option of joining a Progressive Alliance on Dublin City Council alongside Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and progressive independents.

“Instead, the Labour Party chose, once again, to join an alliance with the government. Ivana Bacik will have to explain to their voters why a vote for the Labour Party was a vote for the government.

“Sinn Féin remains committed to working with other parties in the Progressive Alliance along with the council management to deliver for this city.

“Our Progressive Alliance’s programme for the next five years aims to deliver a City for all. Establishing a sustainable funding model, tackling the housing crisis, developing safe communities, improving and expanding public services are the cornerstones of our alliance.”