Fianna Fáil’s housing halcyon days

Fianna Fáil and the housing boom are inexorably linked.

The property bubble without Fianna Fáil would be like Judy without Punch or Podge without sidekick Rodge.

The Soldiers of Destiny certainly knew a thing or two about construction and housing in the ‘noughties’.

But it all came to a ‘shuddering halt’ in 2008 with crushing consequences for the economy, and every citizen in this State.

And it seems some of the party’s advice on housing hasn’t moved on since that fateful year.

Take, for instance, Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív’s ‘Know Your Entitlements 2014’ leaflet, which conveniently enough given the year that’s in it, doubles up as a plug for two local election candidates, sitting City Councillor Peter Keane and hopeful David Burke.

The pamphlet is a mine of information: a handy, concise leaflet that contains essential information about the complex web of social welfare, health and taxation obligations and entitlements.

Though Dev Óg, unlike some of his colleagues, was never one to mingle with Celtic Tiger property developers in the Fianna Fáil tent at the Galway Races, the section on housing is very informative, too.

Except it’s not accurate.

The leaflet tells us about a House Purchase Loan.

It says: “The Council offers up to a 90% loan to persons earning under €50,000 (one earner), €75,000 (two earners). The maximum available is €220,000. You must be in continuous employment for two years, and have been refused for mortgage approval by two leading agencies. Potential applicants must have a credible savings record.”

A cracking scheme, you’ll agree, except it no longer exists.

The Council has confirmed that that particular scheme is no longer being offered by City Hall; and it hasn’t been since 2008, around six years ago.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.