You Just Couldn't Make It Up - Wexford Sinn Fein TD Slams Budget 2026

In a sharp critique of Budget 2026, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, TD for the North Wexford-South Wicklow, has slammed the government for failing to address the needs of ordinary working people, branding them as the “new working poor.” Ó Súilleabháin's comments come as the Budget’s lack of significant measures for low and middle-income workers becomes evident. Despite promises to ease the financial strain on families, many crucial areas have been ignored, leaving those who rise early in the morning to work feeling abandoned by the system. Speaking to South East Radio News Deputy O'Súilleabháin outlined his main areas of contention: - No Increase in Child Benefit : There was no boost to child benefits, a key financial lifeline for many families across Ireland. With rising living costs, families were hoping for an increase to help cover essential expenses. - No Tax Relief for Workers : Workers across the country were hoping for tax relief to help combat the high cost of living. Unfortunately, Budget 2026 offered no tax breaks or relief to help ease the burden on those already struggling to make ends meet. - No Help with the Cost of Living Crisis : As the cost of goods and services continues to rise, many had hoped for measures to tackle the cost of living. Budget 2026 did little to address the immediate financial pressures that families and individuals face every day. - No Energy Credits : Energy costs have skyrocketed in recent months, with families finding it harder than ever to pay their bills. Yet, the Budget failed to offer any relief through energy credits, leaving many households exposed to rising energy prices. - No Cap on Food Price Inflation or Grocery Supports : As inflation drives up the price of everyday essentials, such as food, many were hoping the government would introduce price caps or direct supports to reduce the strain. However, there was no mention of capping food prices or providing grocery supports for struggling families. - No Rent Freeze or Ban on Rent Increases : With rent prices at an all-time high, many renters were hoping for some form of protection. Unfortunately, there was no rent freeze or ban on rent increases in Budget 2026, leaving many to face yet another year of escalating housing costs. Fuel prices are now set to climb significantly, making it even harder for workers to make ends meet.  Ó Súilleabháin pointed out, "you just couldn't make it up." For many families, the combination of soaring fuel prices and unchecked inflation will only deepen the financial hardships they face. In summary Deputy O'Suilleabhain believes that Budget 2026 has left the ordinary working person without the much-needed support and relief they were hoping for. While there are some positive elements, such as increased child benefits and support for families on the lowest incomes, these measures don’t go far enough to address the systemic issues that are pushing more and more people into the "working poor" category.