Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has said Simon Harris and Fine Gael’s failure to deliver affordable homes has resulted in the collapse of homeownership for a generation and if Fine Gael are in government for another five years, home ownership will remain outside of their reach.  That is why voting for change is so important on Friday.

Ms. McDonald said:

“Fine Gael’s failure to deliver affordable homes that teachers, nurses, factory and retail workers can actually afford has resulted in the collapse of home ownership for so many.  Many are faced with the choice of continuing to live with their parents well into their 30s, paying extortionate rents or leaving Ireland to live in places like Australia and Canada.

“The government is so incompetent that the small number of so-called affordable homes that they are delivering can cost between €400,000 and €500,000 – these are eye watering sums which are not affordable to the vast majority of workers and families.  And if that isn’t bad enough they are continuing to let Vulture Funds buy up family homes.​

“Sinn Féin has set out how Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies can deliver homes for under €300,000, alongside the delivery of large-scale social housing.  This programme will ensure that home ownership is once again a realistic option for teachers, nurses, factory and retail workers.  That is the type of radical, strategic reset that is required. 

​“It’s clear that if Fine Gael gets another five years in government, home ownership will remain far outside the reach of these workers. That is why voting for change is so important on Friday.  It is the first step in getting this government out of office.”