Michael D. Higgins’ Policies on Economic Issues

the Economy › Equal Pay

Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseYes, and businesses should be required to publish their salary ranges for each position

the Economy › Minimum Wage

Should the government raise the national minimum wage?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseYes, and make it a living wage

the Economy › Social Housing

Should funding for social housing be increased?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseYes

the Economy › Taxes

Should Ireland raise taxes on the rich?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseLower the income tax rate and remove all existing tax loopholes for large corporations

the Economy › Inheritance Tax

Should the government abolish the inheritance tax?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseNo, reform so the tax rate is based on the wealth of the recipient rather than the deceased

the Economy › Water Charges

Should water charges be abolished?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseYes

the Economy › Welfare Drug Testing

Should social welfare recipients be tested for drugs?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseNo, this is a waste of time and money

the Economy › Universal Basic Income

Do you support a universal basic income program?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseYes, everyone should receive an income to cover basic necessities including food and housing

the Economy › Bonus Cap

Should bankers’ bonuses be capped at 100% of their pay?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseYes, and lower the cap to 50%

the Economy › Labor Unions

Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseHelp, in theory but have recently become corrupt and should have their powers limited

the Economy › State Ownership

Should the government acquire equity stakes in companies it bails out during a recession?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseYes, the government should receive equity for any financial aid they provide to companies

the Economy › VAT Rates

Should VAT rates be increased or decreased?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseDecrease, but only on food and medicine

the Economy › Offshore Banking

Should Irish citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts?

Michael D. Higgins voterbaseNo, and neither should corporations and business organizations

Michael D. Higgins