The Green Party has launched its manifesto and has announced that it will be running candidates in 24 constituencies across the country. The Greens plan to increase funding for public spending services by €1 billion annually without increasing personal taxation. Instead, they said that they would raise corporation tax to 15%, switch to eco-taxes and introduce a 5% social solidarity levy on the profits of banks and other financial institutions.
On transport the party says that it will reverse the ratio of spending away from roads to public transport and prioritise the LUAS and Metro lines as well as the Western Rail Link. The Greens will take responsibility for food production away from the Department of Agriculture and establish a new Department of Consumer Affairs.
On housing the party says it will extend the first time buyers grant to second hand houses and introduce legislation to strengthen the rights of tenants in rented accommodation. They are also committed to establishing a nationwide network of community childcare facilities. The Greens want to ban corporate donations to political parties and limit personal donations to €650 annually.
Reacting to the publication of the manifesto, Mary Harney said she could not see a situation where the PDs could be part of a coalition government with the Greens.
