Housing is, without question, the number one issue among Irish voters, according to the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll, with almost half (49 per cent) nominating it as the top priority for the new Government.
Fieldwork for this latest poll was conducted on Monday and Tuesday of this week among a nationally representative sample of 1,200 Irish adults aged 18 years and upwards. All Irish Times/Ipsos B&A polls are conducted in-home at 120 sampling points throughout the country, covering every constituency.
Housing is the main focus across almost all population groups. Voters do not need to be looking to buy or rent to recognise the crisis that housing has become.
Those most likely to be grappling with the challenges of buying or renting a home (the 25 to 34 year olds) are the most concerned about housing (at 58 per cent), but the issue is still the first concern for voters aged 65 or older (47 per cent).
The topic of housing is so dominant, other issues struggle to get a look in. Next in importance is the improvement of Government services such as health, education and the gardaí (17 per cent).
Immigration is still a priority for some voters (10 per cent), with economic growth not far behind (8 per cent). Growth is perhaps more likely to be an issue in the months ahead if confidence continues to decline.
The desire to see the Government prioritise tax reductions (5 per cent) pips both an increase in welfare/pensions (4 per cent) and climate change (4 per cent).
Today’s poll, when you look behind the data, suggests something of an urban-rural divide. Rural voters in general, and those from farming backgrounds specifically, are more concerned about Government services and less concerned about housing compared with urban voters.
[ The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll April 2025: the full results in chartsOpens in new window ]
The Government can take little comfort in how the electorate regards its performance on housing.
Public confidence in the Government’s housing plan is remarkably low, with only 7 per cent believing it is working. Almost three-quarters of voters (73 per cent) feel a new housing plan is needed, while 17 per cent favour sticking with the existing strategy despite its shortcomings.
Across all demographic groupings the majority agree a new housing plan is necessary. Among 25 to 34 year olds the need for a new plan is most urgent (83 per cent), but even 57 per cent of Fianna Fáil supporters and 62 per cent of Fine Gael supporters agree a change of tack is required.
A stronger economy is viewed as a top priority for the Government by 8 per cent of voters, but arguably a strong economy is needed to address most other priorities, such as more housing and better public services. Unfortunately, optimism about the economic situation improving is low. Most voters (61 per cent) expect the economic situation to be worse in 12 months’ time, with only a small minority (7 per cent) predicting it to be better.
The proportion who feel that the economic situation will be worse in 12 months’ time has increased by 19 points since February 2023. An increase in pessimism is understandable, given the global political and economic uncertainties that have emerged recently. Specifically, we are more worried about the future since the re-election of Donald Trump, jumping from 56 per cent directly after his election in November to 82 per cent in today’s poll. Angst is particularly acute among Fine Gael supporters (90 per cent), women (86 per cent) and those aged 50 and older (86 per cent).
This Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll also explored voter preferences for addressing any potential deterioration in the public finances. The results show that similar proportions of the electorate favour cancelling planned tax cuts (36 per cent) and halting increases in public spending (35 per cent). Just 13 per cent favour increased borrowing to make up any shortfall.
Those most in favour of cancelling planned tax cuts are supporters of Labour (57 per cent) and Fine Gael (47 per cent). Putting a freeze on public spending is the preferred option among farming families (49 per cent), 18 to 24 year olds (42 per cent) and Fianna Fáil voters (41 per cent).
Right now, and for some time past, housing has been of national concern. Today’s poll confirms voters favour a new strategy from the Government to tackle the issue. Whatever route the Government takes to increase supply will likely come at a price, yet the public is not confident of more money coming our way. Let’s hope we have a little something saved for a rainy day.
Aisling Corcoran is director at Ipsos B&A
