Tag Archives: Independent Ireland

  Independent Ireland Clare General Election candidate Eddie Punch has called for a budget demonstrating commitment and support for farmers and small and medium enterprises recognising that people need to keep more of their own hard-earned money. “The budget must tackle wasteful expenditure. It is incredible that total government expenditure for 2025 is projected to be €105 billion, up from €67 billion in 2019. The tax take is now too high on the coping classes – people who get up early, work hard and pay for everything. These are also the people who are now struggling with the cost of living crises, mortgage and rent affordability and child care.” “I believe that childcare should be an allowable expense against income tax. I believe that income taxes need to be reduced for ordinary people working in low to middle income jobs. People such as Gardai, nurses, construction workers, factory workers. “That’s why I believe there should be a minimum 1% reduction …

  A better balance needs to be struck for Clare farmers between food security, climate security and energy security, according to an independent candidate in Ireland South. Eddie Punch believes now is the time to strike a better balance between food security, climate security and energy security in each of the Member States. The Independent Ireland candidate wants to see fair play extended to Irish farmers so that they can prepare for and safeguard their futures as best as possible, something which cannot be done while uncertainty persists over the Nitrates Directive, the Nature Restoration Law and other EU regulations. The Cratloe farmer has appealed to all eligible constituents to vote in tomorrow’s European Parliament election. In a statement issued to the Clare Champion, the former General Secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) described voting as “a patriotic call to duty”. “Everyone who has the privilege of voting should avail of that right throughout the 10 …

A West Clare farm leader has joined a new political alliance which will see three farmers contesting the Local Elections on June 7. Independent candidate, Joseph Woulfe has joined Independent Ireland following recent discussions with its main political leaders in recent weeks. Interestingly, Independent Ireland now has two candidates contesting the Kilrush Electoral Area Mr Woulfe and Kilkee-based dairy and beef farmer, Kevin Hassett. The alliance’s third candidate, Mathew Moroney has thrown his hat into the election ring in the Killaloe Electoral Area. Before Mr Woulfe joined Independent Ireland, he had wrongly assumed the new alliance used a party whip system like other mainstream political parties, which is not the case. The West Clare barber says joined the party because it is geared towards supporting rural development and tackling issues affecting people living in rural areas. “I believe it will benefit constituents for me to be part of an alliance of like-minded people,” he said. “Independent Ireland candidates can share …

Eddie Punch, a dedicated advocate for Irish agriculture, has joined the Independent Ireland alliance in his bid to win a seat in the new European Parliament. Speaking this week the Cratloe native reiterated his commitment to addressing not just agricultural challenges but broader regional and social issues affecting his Ireland South Constituency. “Joining Independent Ireland is a crucial step in strengthening our collective voice in Brussels, ensuring our diverse needs are addressed effectively,” he said. Deputy Michael Collins, Party Leader of Independent Ireland, warmly welcomed Mr Punch to the party. “We are delighted to have Eddie on board. His extensive experience and profound understanding of both local and European issues are exactly what Ireland South needs for effective representation in the European Parliament,” he said. Married to Una with whom he has four children, Eddie stepped down from his role as Secretary General of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) after 25 years to enter electoral politics. A …