Longford's PBP candidate Dave Smyth suggests price caps are needed to reduce the cost of living

People Before Profit candidate for Longford-Westmeath, Dave Smyth, has said the cost-of-living crisis is among the biggest issues in this election.

“I have met so many people who talk about how difficult it is to pay all their bills. Families need a break, so we will abolish the USC for those earning less than €100,000. Instead, we will introduce a wealth tax on multi-millionaires that can raise €8 billion.

Also Read: Gerry hopes to be a strong independent voice for Longford

“In a recent survey, a shocking 41% of parents have said they had to skip meals or reduce portion sizes so that their children would have enough to eat. A quarter of parents say they have to borrow money to feed their children and 12% are using food banks. This is happening in one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

“The government’s once off payments will not solve the cost-of-living crisis. Radical measures are required. Therefore, we will introduce price caps on essentials such as food and energy, and we will cap mortgage interest rates at 3%. This will stop the profiteering by supermarkets, by banks, and by energy companies and reduce the cost of living for ordinary people.

Also Read: Longford ‘has been left behind’ and it is time to end ‘100 years’ of FG and FF rule