Creighton says people ‘hugely disengaged’ from election campaign

Renua Ireland leader Lucinda Creighton has said voters are hugely disengaged from the election campaign. "We are entering a critical period, and I think many people will have made up their minds by next Tuesday."

Ms Creighton said Monday night's RTÉ debate featuring seven party leaders would have generated more interest in policies, particularly in her party's case. "It was a great start for us and we will have to build on that momentum," she said.

More than one million in 60 countries watched at least some part of the RTÉ debate, which was moderated by Claire Byrne. RTÉ said some 500,000 tuned in for the entire two hours.

Ms Creighton said Renua Ireland was intent on “banging a drum” on its key priorities for the rest of the campaign. She was speaking in Dublin at the publication of the party’s policy document on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and the self-employed.

She said the policy would be a red-line issue in any negotiation for the party’s involvement in a coalition.

The party says the higher rate of universal social charge will be abolished for the self-employed as a matter of principle. The self-employed will be allowed to opt for PRSI to avail of supports and allowances should their businesses fail, it adds. The party will also reform capital gains tax to encourage entrepreneurs and innovation.