General Election 2020: What’s on Offer for Students?

The general election on Saturday February 8 will be the first time many of us will have our say on who sits in Dáil Eireann. For some, it may be hard to decide who to trust with your first vote.

While the rest of you were actually trying to get a degree, or at least having a functioning social life, I looked into what six of the main parties are promising students if they get into government. So sit back, relax and enjoy while I give ye a crash course on all things us in GE2020.

(Disclaimer: I’m not suggesting you vote on a single issue! Look into the policies of all the candidates in your constituency. It’s crucial you look at where they all stand, on everything from climate change to the 8th Amendment referendum.)

Fine Gael

The outgoing government led by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. They’ve been in government since the 2011 coalition with Labour, so many hold them responsible for perceived shortcomings over the past nine years.

In terms of higher education, they’ve pledged to stop increasing registration fees, which is decent, but a reduction (or dare I say an abolition?) would be better. There’s also an extra €500 million being put aside to improve facilities in colleges across the country.

Not a bad plan for education going forward but keep in mind that if you want change, Fine Gael have been in power for the guts of the last decade.

Fianna Fáil

The biggest opposition party entered an agreement with Fianna Fáil to keep them in power from 2016 to 2020. Fianna Fáil abstained from key votes in the Dáil so FG could pass budgets and they also stayed out of no-confidence motions against Minster for Health Simon Harris and Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy.

The party’s future plans for third-level education are similar to Fine Gael’s, in that they’re also offering a freeze on fees and an additional €100 million of funding per year. They’re promising a 20% increase to the maintenance grant, whereas Fine Gael are focusing on pushing up the income threshold (by 5%, to be precise).

Again, nothing to balk at but not hitting an ideal level of reform.

Sinn Féin

The next biggest party and the biggest left-wing party. The all-island party that’s all about Irish unity has enjoyed a big surge in popularity in the days leading up to the vote.

A more radical plan for education promises total abolition of fees (hurray!) plus an extra 10% for the beloved SUSI grant. But the more radical the reform of course, the less likely the promise is to be delivered. Would SF make students a priority? Once they cut taxes, will there be enough money left over or will we be left by the wayside just like we’ve been for years now?

Labour

The centre-left bunch that received a hiding in 2016 are relatively unclear on the future of our colleges. They’re promising to expand SUSI thresholds based on the commute area.

Their plans to phase out fees and increasing investment are unspecific, but at least they’re pledging to combat the issues around high costs and underfunding.

Social Democrats

The new party set up by breakaway former Labour TDs are offering something a bit different. They’re looking at expansion of grant thresholds in terms of the length of commutes, similar to Labour, as well as re-introducing maintenance grants for postgrads.

A 7% increase in funding for SUSI would come with the promise to end the ridiculous waiting times people deal with, which is a welcome measure that the other parties have been less vocal on. The SocDems also want to ensure fair pay and working conditions for research postgrads.

Overall, the party is highlighting issues that no one else really is, from the real problems with SUSI to postgraduate issues. But their plans on fees and underfunding, much like Labour’s, are fairly vague.

So who to vote for?

Well, if your main focus is how it will impact third-level education, make of the above policies what you will. But again, there are so many things to take into account. Whatever you do, just get out and use your vote.