Of the main parties, Sinn Féin, the Green Party, Anti-Austerity Alliance/People Before Profit and the Social Democrats are most in favour of greater rent controls, along with the vast majority of independent candidates. In contrast, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour say that the current controls are adequate, while Renua is the only party that is against any form of rent controls.
For voters who took the survey, a very different picture emerges. Over 30,000 people have taken the online survey, and almost 80% of respondents believe that rent increases should be capped in line with inflation (see graph below). This includes a majority of respondents in every age category and in each of the 40 constituencies. While this is not a representative sample of the population, it does suggest broad public support for greater rent controls.
It also suggests a disconnect between parties and voters on this issue. For example, while Labour and Fine Gael support the current system, 66% of Labour supporters and 55% of Fine Gael supporters believe that greater rent controls are needed. Renua supporters are the only group of voters who took the survey where a majority does not support greater rent controls.
If you want to vote for a candidate based on their position on this issue, you can see where they stand on the website. The site is run by the Department of Politics in UL, with funding from the Irish Research Council.
Dr Rory Costello is Lecturer at the University of Limerick’s Department of Politics and Public Administration
