Voters doubt budget will offset winter fuel price surge, cost of living tops concerns

The latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll reveals that 82 % of Irish voters doubt any personal financial gains from the forthcoming Budget 2027 will offset the anticipated rise in winter fuel prices, with only 7 % expressing confidence. About a third of those surveyed anticipate being financially worse off after the budget, while 40 % expect no change. Cost of living emerged as the foremost issue for 59 % of respondents, surpassing housing and immigration concerns.

A sizable majority favoured reducing the carbon tax on home heating oil, even if it curtails climate-target funding, and income-tax cuts were the top policy priority, chosen by 41 % of participants. Sinn Féin retained a slim lead as the most popular party, and Mary Lou McDonald’s approval rose to 34 %. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has already signalled that the carbon tax on heating oil will be cut to the EU-allowed minimum in the upcoming budget.