#18 Do You Have A Constitutional Right To A Place Called Home

In this episode, Niall hosts a compelling discussion centered around the question of whether individuals should have a constitutional right to a place called home. Joining him are two distinguished guests who bring their unique perspectives to the table: Peter Dooley, the co-founder of the Dublin Renters’ Union, and Karl Deeter, an American-Irish financial commentator, media pundit, and business journalist.

Peter Dooley passionately argues in favor of recognizing housing as a constitutional right. Drawing from his experience with the Dublin Renters’ Union, he highlights the pressing need for affordable and accessible housing for all individuals, advocating for strong government intervention to address the housing crisis in Ireland.

On the other side of the debate, Karl Deeter offers a critical perspective. He contends that the government’s mismanagement of Ireland’s housing stock has directly contributed to the current housing crisis. Karl urges for a more effective approach to housing policies and calls for increased accountability from the authorities.

As the conversation unfolds, tensions rise between Peter and Karl as they engage in a lively debate, presenting contrasting viewpoints on the issue. Listeners are encouraged to delve into the topic further as they hear the two guests explore the potential implications and challenges associated with recognizing housing as a constitutional right.

Niall opens the phone lines to invite callers to join the conversation, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to share their thoughts on whether there should be a constitutional right to a place called home. The emotionally charged stories and personal experiences shared by callers, like Morris, who expresses the difficulties of living in an expensive country and his decision to relocate to Portugal at the age of 62, underscore the gravity of the housing crisis.

One caller, John O’Dea from Cork, passionately expresses his indignation at Morris’s situation, emphasizing the importance of defending one’s right to remain in their home and condemning the circumstances that force individuals to leave.

In conclusion, Niall reflects on the intense discussion and the issues surrounding the housing crisis in Ireland. He shares his own perspective, labeling the current situation as dreadful and unacceptable, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to address this pressing social issue.

Join Niall, Peter, and Karl in this engaging episode as they navigate the complexities of housing rights and delve into the question of whether individuals should be granted a constitutional right to a place called home amidst Ireland’s housing crisis.