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Umar Al-Qadri

Umar Al-Qadri

Independent

As a unique voice in Irish politics, representing those from a migrant background, I understand the challenges faced by many. I’m committed to practical solutions for housing, cost of living, safer communities, education, peace and integration. Let’s build a fairer, inclusive Ireland.

  • Priority: Housing

    Housing is an emergency. I’ll fight for State to build affordable homes, cap rent increases,, simplify planning, ban vulture funds, and train workers.

  • Priority: Crime and policing

    Safety is essential. I’ll fight for more Gardaí presence, invest in youth services, and enforce stricter penalties to ensure zero tolerance for crime.

  • Priority: Transport

    Reliable and consistent transport is vital. I’ll expand bus services, extend the Luas to Blanchardstown, and scrap M50 tolls to ease commuting costs.

These answers were provided by the candidate

Taxes and spending
1 of 32 questions
Money that is currently being saved for future policy challenges (such as climate change and an ageing population) should be spent now on things like housing and healthcare.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "We must balance urgent needs with future challenges. Investing now in housing, healthcare, and sustainable infrastructure can address immediate issues while preparing for an ageing population and climate change. Strategic use of savings ensures benefits for both present and future generations"

- Umar Al-Qadri
Taxes and spending
2 of 32 questions
Taxes on people earning over €100,000 a year should be increased.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "I advocate for gradually removing tax credits for individuals earning over €100,000, while implementing refundable tax credits for those on lower incomes. I also propose indexing tax bands and credits to inflation and wage growth. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Taxes and spending
3 of 32 questions
The Universal Social Charge (USC) is a necessary source of revenue and should be kept.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "I propose abolishing USC on the first €45,000 of every worker’s income, easing the tax burden. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Taxes and spending
4 of 32 questions
Tax on inheritance should be reduced, even if it means cutting back on public spending or increasing other taxes.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Less than 3% pay inheritance tax, which only affects those inheriting large sums. I believe further increases in the threshold mainly benefit the wealthiest. Reducing it could limit funds for vital public services, which should be prioritised for the benefit of all citizens."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Taxes and spending
5 of 32 questions
Universal payments, such as child benefit and energy credits, should be replaced with more targeted measures aimed at the less well-off.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Child benefit should remain universal, with additional targeted support for low-income families. Electricity Credits are deceptive, as electricity costs in Ireland are the highest in the EU. We urgently need to reduce electricity prices to alleviate this burden on households."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Housing
6 of 32 questions
The government should focus on making houses more affordable rather than providing financial supports to first-time buyers.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "We need to implement targeted support to help individuals with low to middle incomes afford their own homes while also build more than 50,000 homes a year. Restrict vulture funds from scooping up apartment blocks and housing estates at the expense of our community. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Housing
7 of 32 questions
Planning guidelines should be relaxed to allow for more one-off rural housing
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "I support vibrant communities, both urban and rural, across Ireland. To foster these communities, we must empower people to build well-designed, energy-efficient homes in their local communities, with reasonable conditions in place."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Housing
8 of 32 questions
A rent freeze should be introduced across the country, even if it risks landlords leaving the market
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "There should be a temporary rent freeze while we work to significantly increase housing supply. I advocate for a three-year rent freeze to help alleviate the housing crisis."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Housing
9 of 32 questions
The Local Property Tax should be scrapped, even if it means less money available for local councils
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "A broad tax base and secure funding for local councils are essential for supporting community investment and services. The Local Property Tax (LPT) is crucial in providing resources, ensuring fairness. We must also increase funding for local councils, as government cuts have weakened their capacity."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Transport
10 of 32 questions
The provision of public transport (trains, light rail, buses) should be prioritised over building roads
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Prioritising public transport investment is essential to reduce car dependency and improve connectivity, particularly in rural areas. Road maintenance budget should focus on safety improvements, not just capacity. We also must provide free transport for those under 22 and over 60."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Transport
11 of 32 questions
The passenger cap at Dublin airport should be lifted
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Air travel is crucial to our economy as an island nation. We must expand international flights from Cork and Shannon to enhance connectivity and lessen burden on DA. Strong air links are essential for creating jobs, attracting investment, boosting tourism, and improving transport options."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Environment, energy, agriculture
12 of 32 questions
Carbon taxes should continue to increase each year
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Carbon taxes should not increase, instead we must invest in renewable energy and attract foreign investment for this. We must expand public transport network and reduce prices to encourage less car usage. Reward carpooling also."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Environment, energy, agriculture
13 of 32 questions
Ireland should give up its exemption under the EU Nitrates directive
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "I am committed to safeguarding Ireland’s water resources and supporting family farmers by defending the Nitrates Derogation to promote sustainable farming practices."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Environment, energy, agriculture
14 of 32 questions
The government should introduce measures to significantly reduce the extent of livestock farming in Ireland
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Livestock farming is vital to our economy and rural communities. Instead of reducing it, we should focus on sustainable practices, improving efficiency, and supporting farmers in lowering emissions. Balancing environmental goals with agricultural livelihoods is key to ensuring a sustainable future."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Environment, energy, agriculture
15 of 32 questions
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals should be allowed in Ireland, to improve security of supply
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "LNG terminals may improve energy security, but renewables should remain the focus. Projects must meet strict environmental standards, avoid fracked gas, and be short-term solutions as we transition to sustainable energy, ensuring alignment with climate goals and long-term energy independence."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Social issues and education
16 of 32 questions
Abortion should be allowed in a wider range of circumstances.
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Abortion laws should ensure compassionate care while respecting individual rights and medical needs. Expanding access in specific circumstances, such as cases of fatal fetal abnormalities or serious risks to health, would align with best practices in healthcare and safeguard well-being of mothers."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Social issues and education
17 of 32 questions
Policies to increase the representation of women in politics have gone too far
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Women are still underrepresented and achieving gender balance enriches democracy, and efforts should continue until equal representation is a reality, not an overreach. Democracy is only effective if it reflects the communities hence we also need representation of the New Irish like myself. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Social issues and education
18 of 32 questions
New laws on hate speech should be introduced to protect vulnerable communities
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The hate speech bill introduced was too vague, and it’s crucial to clearly define "hate" to avoid ambiguity while protecting freedom of expression. Hate speech laws must balance the protection of vulnerable communities with safeguarding free speech."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Social issues and education
19 of 32 questions
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have too much power in Irish policy making
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "NGOs play a crucial role in advocating for marginalised communities and providing expertise. However, a review of their funding is needed to assess the cost-benefit for citizens. Diverse perspectives must be included in policy-making."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Social issues and education
20 of 32 questions
Religious instruction should only take place outside school hours in Irish primary schools
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Parents should have the right to educate their children according to their beliefs. Schools with religious ethos, whether Christian, Muslim, or other, should be allowed to continue. Under Article 44 of the Constitution, parents can opt their children out of religious instruction in any school."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Social issues and education
21 of 32 questions
Gender diversity and transgender issues should be taught in Irish primary schools
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "While teaching children respect for others is crucial, introducing complex topics like gender diversity and transgender issues in primary schools is confusing at an early age. Children should be taught kindness, but without exposure to material that may not be developmentally suitable."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Immigration and asylum
22 of 32 questions
More resources should be given to improving conditions for asylum seekers
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Improving conditions for asylum seekers is important, but resources should be allocated fairly and sustainably. We must balance the needs of asylum seekers with those of local communities, ensuring support services are adequate and integration efforts are well-managed for the benefit of all."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Immigration and asylum
23 of 32 questions
Communities should be obliged to take their fair share of asylum seekers, even if there is local opposition
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Engagement with local communities is crucial for successful integration, but capacity and resources must also be considered. It is unfair to place additional strain on areas already facing service constraints. Asylum seekers deserve to be welcomed into communities that can truly support them."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Immigration and asylum
24 of 32 questions
Accommodation centres for asylum seekers should not be located in economically disadvantaged areas
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Accommodation centres for asylum seekers should be placed carefully, ensuring access to necessary resources and services for integration. It’s important to avoid overburdening economically disadvantaged areas and to strike a balance that benefits both asylum seekers and local communities."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Immigration and asylum
25 of 32 questions
Rules on immigrant work permits and student visas should become more restrictive
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "While it's essential to have clear and fair rules for work permits and student visas, overly restrictive policies could harm Ireland's ability to attract skilled workers and students. A balanced approach is needed, one that considers the housing emergency Ireland is facing. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Crime and policing
26 of 32 questions
The solution to anti-social behaviour lies in tackling poverty and disadvantage rather than tougher policing
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "While policing is important, addressing root causes like poverty and disadvantage is key. I support investing in communities, youth services, and education to break the cycle of disadvantage and create safer, stronger communities. Zero tolerance on crime is also necessary and deterring sentences."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Crime and policing
27 of 32 questions
Gardaí should take a more robust approach to dealing with political protests
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Protest is a fundamental expression of free speech. We must ensure that law enforcement respects peaceful demonstrations while maintaining public safety. In violent protests Gardai must enforce law to protect people. There should be no tolerance to extremism. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Foreign policy and defence
28 of 32 questions
Ireland should continue to provide financial and political support to Ukraine in response to the ongoing war
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Supporting Ukraine in its time of need. Providing financial aid, humanitarian assistance, and political support is important, but Ireland should continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions and respect its neutral stance in international conflicts. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Foreign policy and defence
29 of 32 questions
The EU should suspend its trade agreement with Israel
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Amidst the ongoing genocide by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon this is the need of the hour. The Occupied Territories Bill must be implemented at home. Sanctions on Israel are the right response to the ongoing violations of international law by Israel. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Foreign policy and defence
30 of 32 questions
Ireland should retain its ‘triple lock’ rule for deploying troops abroad
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Ireland should retain its ‘triple lock’ rule for deploying troops abroad. It is crucial to maintain our commitment to peacekeeping while upholding our military neutrality and democratic accountability. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Foreign policy and defence
31 of 32 questions
Ireland should collaborate more with other EU member states on defence and security
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Ireland should increase collaboration with EU member states on defence and security, especially in cyber security, as seen in the HSE attack. However, Ireland should maintain its neutral stance and refrain from joining NATO, preserving our military independence and commitment to peace."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Irish unity
32 of 32 questions
A referendum on Irish unity should be held in the next five years
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "A referendum on Irish unity should be held before 2030, but more planning and awareness are needed for success. Political, social, and economic conditions must be right, reflecting the will of all communities. Unity requires careful planning, broad support, and cross-community engagement."

- Umar Al-Qadri

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