Radio silence from Social Democrats on facts and figures – Lombard

The Social Democrat leader’s inability to provide clear figures to support her party’s policy proposals raises questions about the credibility of her plans, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Tim Lombard, Fine Gael General Election candidate in Cork South West, has criticised the recent radio interview with Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, describing her failure to provide detail as deeply worrying.

Senator Lombard said:  “The interview this morning with Holly Cairns was almost unbelievable in its lack of substance.

“While confidently claiming that all her proposals were fully costed, when asked to provide even one figure, there was literal radio silence.

“If you’re going to claim your budget is solid, surely you should be ready to pull out a few facts and figures. Instead, we got vague reassurances and lots of dodging.

“While Cairns mentioned alternatives to one-off payments, such as welfare increases, her failure to clearly explain the financial impact of these changes shows a lack of preparedness.

“These one-off payments have been a lifeline for families during the cost-of-living crisis, providing much-needed relief in times of rising costs.

“Removing these supports, even with a proposed replacement, without presenting a solid, costed plan is reckless. It shows a worrying disregard for those who depend on this support.

“Fine Gael has consistently delivered real, practical support for families—whether through direct financial aid or targeted relief measures.

“We understand what people need, and we’re focused on solutions that actually help. It’s easy to criticise, but much harder to come up with a real, workable plan, and that was painfully obvious today.

“We have already published our plans to cut costs for businesses and just today have launched our housing plan which will enable home ownership and build sustainable communities. Both of these plans and all of Fine Gael’s policies to come will be comprehensive and fully costed.

“This morning’s interview made it clear that Cairns doesn’t have the facts, the figures, or a genuine grasp of what it is to be in Government—let alone effectively represent Cork South West.

“In contrast to the practical, concrete plans Fine Gael have put forward, based on this morning’s interview the Social Democrats are offering the electorate nothing but hot air,” Senator Lombard concluded.