Policies over the rainbow

Posturing aside, the rainbow parties' policies are surprisingly similar. Hilary Curley investigates the policy proposals of Fine Gael, Labour and the Green Party

In four key areas – education, childcare, health and defence/neutrality – the proposals of the three main opposition parties are very similar. All are against the re-introduction of third level fees, for the introduction of a childcare allowance, and promise to keep regional hospitals open.

The parties diverge on taxation and crime policies.

They agree that the tax relief system needs to be reformed, and tax shelters eliminated, but disagree over corporation tax: the Greens have suggested that it be increased from the current rate of 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent; Fine Gael and Labour object.

Fine Gael argues for no tax increases while Labour says no tax increases for the middle-to-lower classes, though taxes on the wealthy could be raised through capital gains tax, inheritance tax and taxing profits from land speculation.

The Greens have also proposed an increase of one per cent in income tax, which would bring in a revenue of €540 million per year.

They've also proposed taxing the value of a commercial site rather than having a commercial tax rate. Both Labour and the Greens favour an environmental tax: the Greens argue strongly for the introduction of a carbon tax, which the Government failed to deliver this year.

Both Fine Gael and Labour have recently launched high-profile campaigns on combating anti-social behaviour. Fine Gael's is more radical: they want to see electronic tagging for juvenile offenders and sex offenders, and want to introduce a Home Detention Curfew Scheme for young people.

Labour's campaign may be less extreme, but nonetheless rows in behind the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos), which allow for the fining and jailing of young people who engage in "anti-social" activity.

The Greens are against the introduction of Asbos, and want to see more resources invested in the prison system, focussing on rehabilitation of prisoners rather than incarceration.

All three parties propose establish local policing committees.

The environment is at the core of all Green policies and underlies their economic policy in particular. They believe that the future development of the economy is linked to renewable energies and climate change. Investment in research and development should increase but particularly in those "green" industries.

Fine Gael and Labour have less detailed environmental policies and environmental issues do not drive their economic policies.