General Election 24 – a ‘somewhat lacklustre campaign’

Election 24 has been the main focus IN RECENT weeks for RGDATA. Now that the votes are all counted, Fianna Fail (48) is the largest party followed by Sinn Fein (39) and Fine Gael (38).

RGDATA’s director Tara Buckley said “General Election 24 has seen a somewhat lacklustre campaign result in people largely voting for more of the same with the two main Government parties ending up short of an overall majority with 87 seats. I think there will be a lot of jockeying for position for the next few weeks with a new Government led by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael with a few like-minded independents expected to be in place in the New Year.

Policy Perspective

“From a policy perspective the positions of FF/FG in their manifesto documents are largely supportive of the independent retail grocery sector across a range of issues and this provides RGDATA with a very good basis for lobbying around the Programme for Government. It is vital that we draw out the most relevant positions and promises of both parties to ensure that they are reflected in the final Programme for Government.

Crucial Year

“2025 will be a crucial year to address the costs of doing business, mitigate against the huge increases in employment costs for convenience/food retailers,  introduce new approaches to reduce retail crime and anti-social behaviour, revitalise our towns and villages, get living over the shop projects up and running and give small and medium businesses a strong presence at the table where Government decisions are being made.”

Future Viability

RGDATA will be writing to the leaders of all the main political parties to highlight the key policies required to support the future viability of independent food/convenience shops and supermarkets. A prolonged period of overtures and negotiations is expected to carry on into 2025 when the formation of the new Government will be agreed. Members are advised to keep their local candidates updated on the key policies that should be prioritised if in Government: Tackling employment and business costs; zero tolerance for retail crime, town centre revival and a voice for small and medium business in policy decision making.

“Before the election, RGDATA analysed the main party Manifestos to see what they will do for independent shops. Now that the votes are counted and the shape of the new Government is apparent we will focus on making sure our key asks are included in the new programme for government.”