Meet the candidates: Tony McCormack, Fianna Fáil

Here is our Q&A with Tony McCormack who is running as a Fianna Fáil candidate in the Offaly constituency. The party described Tony as "a committed local representative for the past 15 years". He is currently serving as Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council.

Why should the Irish people vote for Fianna Fáil candidates when they have been part of a Government which has seen homelessness rise to record levels in this country?

Fianna Fáil has turned the dial on housing delivery and built real momentum through Housing for All. Over 125,000 new homes have been built since 2020, which is more than the last two governments combined.

We have the highest levels of first time buyers in a generation, delivered more social housing homes than in 50 years, built the first affordable homes in a generation and established the first ever cost rental homes, all backed by historic investment in housing. Ultimately, increased housing supply will be the solution to the challenge of homelessness. The housing pipeline is incredibly strong. Over 49,000 homes commenced in the first nine months of 2024.

How do you intend to address the concerns many people face due to the rising cost of groceries, insurance, and the rising cost of living?

Lower energy prices achieved by accelerated investment in low-cost renewable energy and cheaper distribution as well as a reform of how energy prices are set.

Protect family incomes through making sure that tax changes and social welfare benefit increases match, at a minimum, rising prices.

Increase the State pension to at least €350 per week to ensure a better quality of life in older age.

Invest in projects vital to reducing the costs of getting most goods into shops.

Tackle insurance costs through reform and ensuring fair competition in all sectors.

Continuing to decrease the cost of public services.

Reducing childcare fees to €200 per month.

What one issue would be your top priority if you are elected to the Dáil?

Reinstating the N52 Tullamore- Kilbeggan road project in the Roads Programme.

If you were marking the performance of the current government out of 10 what would you give it?

Not going to give a mark but by any fair estimate this was a government faced with huge challenges. We worked to lead our country through a terrible pandemic, to overcome a rapidly hitting recession and to tackle the impact of war and disruption in Europe.

There are now over half a million more people at work than there were four and a half years ago. Public finances are strong, public services have expanded, and major investments are underway. In order to secure services and investments into the future, we have also created the largest ever reserve funds.

What would your preference be in terms of a Coalition partner/partners?

We will talk to parties which are democratic, support the European Union, will protect Ireland's economy and will support first time buyers.