Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have reached a deal on rents

Without Fianna Fáil, the government would not be in a position to pass the legislation.

FINE GAEL AND Fianna Fáil have reached a deal on the government’s rent plan.

On Tuesday, Housing Minister Simon Coveney announced the government’s plan to tackle spiraling rent costs.

While much of the plan was met with approval from Fianna Fáil, their spokesperson Barry Cowen said that two areas in particular are being opposed.

These were the limiting of “rent pressure zones” to Dublin and Cork and a plan to cap rent increases in the designated zones to 4% per year over a three-year period.

The impasse led to the government trying to withdraw its own bill from the Dáil today.

Without Fianna Fáil, the government would not be in a position to pass the legislation.

In the last hour, however, a deal between the parties has been reached.

In a statement, Cowen said:

“Following an intensive negotiation process, Fianna Fáil has achieved significant progress on ten out of these twelve proposals.

We have not achieved everything we sought, but as a result of Fianna Fáil intervention, there will now be an immediate examination of the market conditions in Limerick city, Galway city, Waterford city, areas contiguous to Cork city and the commuter belt surrounding Dublin in counties Louth, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow.

“It is expected that most, if not all, of these areas will be included within the scheme”

“Convincing Fine Gael to accept rent control in areas of high pressure is a major achievement.”

Cowen criticised Coveney for “failing to consult in any meaningful way” with Fianna Fáil.

More to follow

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
96 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Corcoran
    Favourite Andrew Corcoran
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:24 PM

    Enough about Kenny, what do you think about Trump John?

    271
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh
    Favourite Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:27 PM

    @Andrew Corcoran: You stole my punchline.

    92
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Malvolio32
    Favourite Malvolio32
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:34 PM

    A few variations in the comments on this obvious joke here, delivery may leave a bit to be desired though. I was thinking along the lines of “…and Trump is no great shakes either.” Boom, boom.

    60
    See 7 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh
    Favourite Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:42 PM

    @Andrew Corcoran:
    BREAKING: Irish PM drops hand.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute T Beckett is back
    Favourite T Beckett is back
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:43 PM

    @Andrew Corcoran:

    A “misogynist, sexual predator, liar”, sounds a lot like your friend Conor Cruise O’Brien.

    I’m no fan of Trump, but he seems to be a target for the Irish political fraud class.

    Get lost Halligan.

    228
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute rory conway
    Favourite rory conway
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:56 PM

    What type of people will Halliday meet with in Brazil ? Saints?

    131
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jason bourne
    Favourite jason bourne
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 4:25 PM

    He’ll be smiling and shaking hands and getting pictures with people he won’t have a clue of. Moron. Jumping on the anti-Trump train purely for populist reasons when in actuality he couldn’t give a sh|t.

    130
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Cauldhame
    Favourite Frank Cauldhame
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 6:14 PM

    Halligan with his porno moustache !

    84
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maurice Dodd
    Favourite Maurice Dodd
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 8:10 PM

    Dyed..porno misstache

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Celtic Druid
    Favourite Celtic Druid
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 8:57 PM

    @Andrew Corcoran: He will kiss the bishops ring….go figure !!!!!

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lisa Callanan
    Favourite Lisa Callanan
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:46 PM

    Halligan as always left out the most important part. …US president who has the power to make life very very difficult for the US based undocumented, and the documented and the many US corporations who reside here and employ tens of thousands of Irish people… so, No, Enda and his team need to tread extremely carefully. And I would imagine the 40 million Americans who claim some level of Irishness expect him to handle himself like a proper statesman

    167
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daisy Daisy
    Favourite Daisy Daisy
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 4:37 PM

    So we better just let him grab our pussy and be grateful he didn’t want a golden shower!

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Suzie Sunshine
    Favourite Suzie Sunshine
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 6:25 PM

    Daisy .. over dramatics as usual ..

    76
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute OpenBorders
    Favourite OpenBorders
    Report
    Mar 12th 2017, 12:42 AM

    @Lisa Callanan: Probably the most ignorant comment on The Journal for 2017 so far, well done. Firstly, they are not ‘undocumented’, they are ILLEGAL immigrants, are you defending their criminal activities?

    Secondly, US corporations in Ireland couldn’t give a flying fcuk what Donald Trump thinks, or if Enda Kenny spat in his face, they’re here in Ireland to make MONEY, not as some kind of patriotic experiment.

    Thirdly, cop on.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute lavbeer
    Favourite lavbeer
    Report
    Mar 12th 2017, 2:09 PM

    Good manners cost nothing OpenBorders.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute the truth
    Favourite the truth
    Report
    Mar 13th 2017, 10:37 AM

    they let you grab them by the pussy when your famous says more about the woman who let it happen than trump in fairness.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emmet O'Keeffe
    Favourite Emmet O'Keeffe
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:24 PM

    Seems like John Halligan can never open his mouth these days without mentioning Shane Ross.
    What’s with these two amigos?

    180
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian boru
    Favourite brian boru
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:25 PM

    Bromance

    91
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fank Pulman
    Favourite Fank Pulman
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:22 PM

    A clown and a nobody – Halligan, elected by us…

    217
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Cooke
    Favourite Alan Cooke
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:28 PM

    @Fank Pulman:
    He’s a minister. He should not be coming out and making statements asking others to do this and that. he should be telling/demanding/commanding from the cabinet table.
    This rant is for his own ego and PR to look good in the eyes of his voters.

    188
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Carlin Ite
    Favourite Carlin Ite
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:30 PM

    100% Alan. He’s in election mode.

    136
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Halpin
    Favourite Andrew Halpin
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:35 PM

    It’s almost like projection, as in it takes one to know one.

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute HelloGoogleTracking!
    Favourite HelloGoogleTracking!
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:48 PM

    Looking for free publicity – total fool – parish pump politician

    Trump is democratically elected American president not some nobody milking the taxpayer and looking for attention

    153
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute HelloGoogleTracking!
    Favourite HelloGoogleTracking!
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:50 PM

    P.s. No one gives a damn what you think John – newsflash

    128
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emmet O'Keeffe
    Favourite Emmet O'Keeffe
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:53 PM

    @Fank Pulman:
    Well, living in Waterford I have to take some responsibility in that regard having voted for John. He’s a great politician on local issues and his clinic does a huge amount of good work for ordinary people on a daily basis. But I certainly did not vote for him to prop up Fine Tory and he’ll have to start re-evaluating his social priorities if he’s to earn my vote again next time round.

    78
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Cormican
    Favourite Shane Cormican
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 3:37 PM

    Alan he is a politician first and for most and we know Irish politicians only really interested in next election

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bridget O'Hanlon
    Favourite Bridget O'Hanlon
    Report
    Mar 12th 2017, 8:56 AM

    @Shane Cormican: Irish politicians? What? Unlike other politicians? Don’t be silly, that’s all they all think about. That’s democracy at work

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Ward
    Favourite Brian Ward
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:31 PM

    There are very few people that will please everyone so should we have a national vote on who Kenny should meet and who he shouldn’t because of their views? If Le Pen gets elected or Wilders should we blank France and Holland as well? Diplomacy isn’t about having a laugh with your buddies it’s about doing business with those you dislike because you are putting your country before your personal feelings.

    114
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnr
    Favourite Johnr
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 3:16 PM

    @Brian Ward: Keep your friends close and enemies ………..

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TehJurolan
    Favourite TehJurolan
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:25 PM

    Calm down, calm down, calm down John.

    58
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tweety McTweeter
    Favourite Tweety McTweeter
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:25 PM

    I hate Trump and all he stands for but I think it’s hilarious how people think our incredibly valuable diplomatic channels with the US should be shut down because Trump is in power. America is an ally of ours, let’s not damage decades of good relations just because there’s an idiot in the White House

    91
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Cooke
    Favourite Alan Cooke
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:33 PM

    @Tweety McTweeter:
    Or another idiot at the cabinet table from Waterford.

    101
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Louis Jacob
    Favourite Louis Jacob
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:22 PM

    Ahhh but Trump will tickle his belly… You can’t expect the man to turn down a belly tickling.

    76
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ron North
    Favourite Ron North
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 3:10 PM

    Maybe he’ll grab him by the pussy.

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh
    Favourite Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:26 PM

    “‘He’s a misogynist, he’s a liar, he’s a sexual predator’: John Halligan not happy with Kenny meeting Trump”

    I’m sure Trump will be able to cope with him.

    114
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry Ryan
    Favourite Gerry Ryan
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:30 PM

    It was the acceptance of FG dominance in Cabinet that finished Labour. It’s an easy win for FG every time. No doubt the threat to bring down the Govt on these points of principle has a cost in personal monetary terms and we know their principles do not stand up against cash in the now and the pot of gold in the future. So whinge and whine is what we get instead and hand wringing.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bejasus Bejorrah
    Favourite Bejasus Bejorrah
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 3:21 PM

    Being complete traitors to the people of ireland…getting into bed with fg …Alan kelly. …that’s what finished labour …

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Murphy
    Favourite Mary Murphy
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 5:54 PM

    Ahh John wtf cares what you think about anything. You sold your constituents out for a pension for yourself. And why can’t you stay home instead of going to Brazil. Ohh of course it’s because over their you will be wined dined and saluted.

    59
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James
    Favourite James
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 3:04 PM

    Jaysis.. I thought it was Gaddafi in the photo for a sec. Anyway with Brexit being triggered this Tuesday or Wednesday and possible emergency meetings of European leaders in the following days is it really the best time for Enda to be swanning off to Washington?

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Luke Collins
    Favourite Luke Collins
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 5:10 PM

    Well Mr Halligan we can’t all have cushy little ministerial jobs can we. Some of us have jobs in multinationals from the US. Would you rather if we made use of your social welfare system? Didn’t think so now shut your little beak

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Des Heeney
    Favourite Des Heeney
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 5:06 PM

    How do you know you Muppet haligan

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnnie Sexton
    Favourite Johnnie Sexton
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 6:35 PM

    Halligan is just miffed that he’s not going instead, tool

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charles Martel
    Favourite Charles Martel
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:29 PM

    Trump’s advisers are probably asking him not to meet with a spineless treasonous idiot…

    83
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute lavbeer
    Favourite lavbeer
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:31 PM

    Enda a sexual predator? Well I never

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul MacNulty
    Favourite Paul MacNulty
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 5:09 PM

    Trump has something that neither Halligan nor Kenny have, BALLS

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Amused Bystander
    Favourite Amused Bystander
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 11:07 PM

    He’s rich and old, won’t have to deal with the consequences of his actions…

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnr
    Favourite Johnr
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 3:11 PM

    Enda is planning to go out with a bang by ripping Trump a new one. Don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Culligan
    Favourite Paul Culligan
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 5:37 PM

    Abort Kenny’s ‘free’ holiday? Never. You’d have a better chance of getting a kiss off Mother Theresa.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maurice Dodd
    Favourite Maurice Dodd
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 8:09 PM

    How dare you speak about the President of the united states like that And you with the hair dyed off you..

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Mac Shite
    Favourite David Mac Shite
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 2:28 PM

    Misogynist, liar, sexual predator…. But what does Halligan think about Trump?

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mr Snuffleupagus
    Favourite Mr Snuffleupagus
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 4:13 PM

    @David Mac Shite: Doesn’t Halligan believe in fairies? Tw@t.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Mac Shite
    Favourite David Mac Shite
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 8:55 PM

    Don’t be ridiculous Snuff. It’s leprechauns.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Each Way Thief
    Favourite Each Way Thief
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 8:19 PM

    Halligan is the worst kind of politician.
    Pure ar$e hole.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Larry Molloy
    Favourite Larry Molloy
    Report
    Mar 12th 2017, 12:34 AM

    So John Halligan labels somebody else a liar. We really have entered the twilight zone/

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Makenzie Calhoun
    Favourite Makenzie Calhoun
    Report
    Mar 11th 2017, 7:43 PM

    Look folks a hypocrite , all bark no bite halligan.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute theirishcircus
    Favourite theirishcircus
    Report
    Mar 12th 2017, 10:06 AM

    he not so quick to pass the same comment for priests and nuns,,,,,,,,,,too clever for that!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Dillon
    Favourite John Dillon
    Report
    Mar 12th 2017, 11:58 AM

    Enjoy the state sponsored junket in Brazil Mr. Halligan’s ball.I stepped out and I stepped in again learning how to do the samba in San Paulo after avoiding the aliens around the Bermuda Triangle.I don’t like that man said the state sponsored strictly come dancining Waterford waster.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ewan Euphrenza
    Favourite Ewan Euphrenza
    Report
    Mar 12th 2017, 6:43 PM

    Holy s**t, can’t believe Kenny is maintaining diplomatic relations with the most powerful country in the world and our biggest source of FDI. What a madman!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal Carey
    Favourite Donal Carey
    Report
    Mar 12th 2017, 5:32 AM

    What a stupid wild statement a lot of Irish illegals are in the hands of the President and here is this dope attracting all the wrong press.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Virtual Architect
    Favourite Virtual Architect
    Report
    Mar 12th 2017, 7:22 PM

    I once got help from a minister in his position to tell FAS to deliver a training course. Manager in FAS centre said “Nah, I don’t care” These ministers have bugger all power. Waste of time. Fire them and public servants. Interview to apply for a job back. Why do we support these morons every election? Shameful.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.