If these homes were offered for sale as individual units they would have been perfect for first-time buyers or downsizers. “We do not want institutional investors competing with first-time buyers”, the Taoiseach tells the Dáil. Now they are trying to lock the stable door after the horse has bolted while the investment funds are already planning their next attack. Sir, – I refer to the Tánaiste’s repeated claim that “putting ideology over practicality” won’t solve the housing crisis. Of course, Mr Varadkar and indeed the Minister for Housing’s presentation of what is “practical” is deeply value-laden and overflowing with their own ideology.

Source: The Irish Times May 07, 2021 23:11 UTC