Renua to outline ‘red line' coalition issues ahead of election

Renua Ireland leader Lucinda Creighton has said her party will outline its "red lines" for entering government in advance of the general election and accepted many party policies will not be implemented if in power.

Ms Creighton was speaking at the launch of Renua’s election manifesto on Monday, where she pitched her party as a junior “watchdog” in a future coalition.

The manifesto policies include a previously announced flat tax of 23 per cent; a reform of the criminal justice system to introduce a “three strikes rule” which would see a life sentence automatically imposed for a third serious offence and a reform of the Leaving Certificate that would see exams only account for 30 per cent of the final grade.

Renua also wants to abolish the €100 water conservation grant, describing the annual payment as a “bribe”.

However, Ms Creighton accepted that many policies in the manifesto will not be implemented if her party is part of a future coalition but said Renua has “a very clear plan and we know what we want to achieve”.

"We will publish our red line issues closer to the election and I'd hazard no other party will do it," the Dublin South East TD said. "I think the difference between us and other parties that have been involved in Coalition governments in the past is that we have a very clear plan and we know what we want to achieve.

“We have a very clear timeline and we will be publishing our red line issues in advance of the election. We are not doing so today. Today is about our platform, our broad approach to all of the issues that matter.

“You find me any party that can guarantee that every single issue in every part of their manifesto is going to be implemented in government. We are not likely to see an overall majority for any party in this state in my lifetime. It is the art of negotiation.”