Government has ‘bribed’ the electorate with one-off extra payments, TD says

The Government has been accused of “bribing” the electorate with a series of one-off extra payments next month at a time when it is believed the public will go to the polls.

Social Democrat TD Cian O’Callaghan said the payments, including a double child benefit payment, fuel allowance payment, carers’ payments and living alone allowance will all be made over November and December.

The Dublin TD said it was a “blatant attempt to buy” an election.

“Government parties are cock-a-hoop with this schedule, because it’s right around when most of us expect to be going to the polls,” he told the Dáil.

“I think their glee will be short-lived because bribery is a bad look. And has there ever been a more blatant attempt to buy an election?

“While these payments will certainly be welcome, they won’t last very long. By the new year, they will be long gone, and what supports will be available to people as prices continue to rise? Very few.

“You had a record…