European Elections: An interview with Independent candidate Peter Casey

Should Ireland leave the EU?

Of course not. If Mairead gets her way, the EU will soon have its own army! We can be aligned with a new Germanic superpower.

What should the top rate of income tax be in Ireland?

I think with VAT being as high as it is, 40% should be the top rate for income tax. 100% for death tax. I donÕt want my children to think they can stop studying! Farmers would be exempt providing they signed the land over to their children, 20 years before their death. If they die before age 55, it would not apply.

Do you support the introduction of a carbon tax?

No. We have more than enough taxes. I would be in favour of incentives to abolish single-use plastics and the introduction of biodegradable plastics. After a period of incentives, I would support penalties on the manufacturers.

Are you in favour of exclusion zones around clinics providing abortion services?

Yes. Whatever side you were on with the debate, it is wrong to support intimidation of vulnerable women. I support the right to peacefully demonstrate as long as that does not violate the rights of others.

Should injection centres be allowed?

I thought they already were, if not yes.

Do you support transgender rights?

Yes, with the caveat that the person must be 18 years old before making such important, life-changing and irreversible decisions.

Would you support an end to direct provision while supporting refugees coming to Ireland?

If they are genuine refugees, they should be given a warm Irish welcome and then we should give them passports, help them find work and treat them like every other Irish citizen. If they are not genuine refugees and are in Ireland illegally, simply adding to our already overburdened welfare state, we should give them an airline ticket to whatever country they came from.

 Should Ireland boycott the Eurovision in Tel Aviv?

If it is a really bad song and we have no chance of winning, then yes, otherwise no.

Should marijuana be legalised?

In favour of decriminalisation. Support use of medical marijuana. Of course, if we run short, we can always borrow some from Ming's stash.

Should tech firms like Facebook and Twitter be subject do the same laws as other media and publishers?

Absolutely. Even stricter if possible. We need to eliminate cyber bullying.

Are you in favour, in the long term, of a United Ireland?

Yes, absolutely. I believe we almost have one at present. We have SF in government North and South. Oops, I forgot. They are not in government in the North, despite taking the money from the British government. Not sure how much I would be prepared to pay for it.

Who should replace John Delaney as CEO of the FAI?

A. The winner of the Eurovision Song Contest.

B. Ming Flanagan, as he will have time on his hands very shortly.

C. Ryan Tubridy. Save RTÉ a fortune.

D. Panti Bliss.

E. Mrs. Brown.

F. Angela Merkel. She is going to have time on her hands soon and certainly knows about good governance.

Any other one thing you want to say?

I think Hot Press is an amazing publication that provides an invaluable service to the Irish nation and should receive government funding!