Energy credits proposed by Dublin Central by-election candidates during recent debate

Topics such as housing affordability, tackling crime and the cost of living crisis were raised in the debate.

Less than three weeks out from the election, four candidates in the area made a cost of living pitch to voters.

The by-election takes place following the resignation of finance minister and a Dublin Central TD Paschal Donohoe who took on the second most senior position in the World Bank, as managing director and chief knowledge officer.

On RTÉ's The Week In Politics, the candidates discussed topics such as housing affordability, tackling crime and the cost of living crisis.

This comes just weeks after major protests around the county over the rising price of fuel.

Mayor of Dublin and Fine Gael candidate, Ray McAdam, said the Government showed the 'ability and agility to respond' having 'prudently' managed the public finances.

“A fuel crisis in November and December is a very different situation than a fuel crisis in April or May,” he added.

Furthermore, Sinn Féin councillor Janice Boylan accused the Government of 'blaming everything else'.

"You cannot gaslight people into believing that everything is okay when they are feeling it for themselves," she stated.

Daniel Ennis from the Social Democrats highlighted the struggle people were facing, calling targeted support, such as 400 euro energy payments, and a supplementary mileage scheme for essential workers.

Labour Party’s Ruth O’Dea claimed that PAYE workers were 'abandoned' by the Government and further called for energy credits on incomes under €70,000.

The other candidates for the by-election on May 22 Tony Corrigan (Independent), Colm Joseph Flood (Independent), Mannix Flynn (Independent), Janet Horner (Green Party), Gerard Hutch (Independent), Eoghan O Ceannabhain (People Before Profit), John O’Leary (Independent), Noel Smyth (Aontú), Malachy Steenson (Independent), and John Stephens (Fianna Fáil).