Politics watch: Land tax row, Budget 2025, candidate selection

James Cox

Here, we have a look at the topics likely to dominate political debate in the week to come.

Residential zoned land tax row

Plans to defer the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) have led to a row between coalition partners Fianna Fáil and the Green Party.

RZLT is designed to be charged each year on land that is zoned suitable for residential use and has access to necessary services.

The RZLT aims to incentivise landowners to activate existing planning permissions to increase housing supply.

However, the introduction of the tax and penalties have previously been deferred amid backlash from groups such as the Irish Farmers’ Association, which has opposed the inclusion of land that is used for farm operations.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers suggested the tax could be delayed in Budget 2025, which will be announced on October 1st.

However, this led to an angry reaction from the Green Party, who insist it must go ahead.

Mr Chambers has since said Government will consider alternatives, such as changes that could exclude farmers from the tax.

The row could be symptomatic of a bigger issue in Government.

Sources have indicated some Green Party TDs feel they are being pushed aside, with rumours of a November general election.

With a new party leader in Roderic O'Gorman, the Green Party may be seeking to differentiate themselves in what is likely to be a difficult election for the party.

Budget 2025

The Dáil is set to resume on Wednesday, September 18th, and attention will soon turn to the budget after that.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has indicated there will be a number of "one-off" payments in Budget 2025.

These could include electricity credits and double or lump sum social welfare payments.

Candidate selection

While Coalition leaders continue to insist the Government will run its full term to March 2025, a November election appears much more likely.

The continued candidate selections from all parties suggest they are preparing for an autumn election.

Abroad

In the UK, prime minister Keir Starmer has warned the public of a difficult autumn budget which will include "big asks" for the "long-term good".

In the US, Kamala Harris' momentum continues in the presidential race.

Donald Trump's team is said to be extremely worried about the Democrats' poll boost since the US vice president replaced president Joe Biden on the ticket.

In a brief reprieve for Mr Trump, Independent candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr has dropped out of the race to endorse the Republican.