Government Has No Plans to Tackle Inflation Issue
This government has failed to advance any concrete plans to tackle inflation. It simply repeats the mantra that they cannot interfere in the market. It has no idea how long inflation will last and its only message is that people should wait patiently and not seek higher pay.
The current crisis shows why we need a left government that is willing to impose price controls on energy and essential foods.
It needs to invest rapidly in free public transport and create a State-run, not-for-profit company that will pioneer the transition to renewable energy.
The energy sector needs to be re-nationalised and the ESB instructed to operate on a not-for-profit mandate.
We also need to control rents and mortgage interest rates. Irish borrowers are paying twice the EU interest rate and Irish tenants are paying the dearest rents in Europe.
These are positive but radical proposals. We need to think outside the box if we are to protect living standards.
Adrian Curran,
People Before Profit Galway
Published in the Connacht Tribune on 02/08/2022