Adams calls on Taoiseach to name Anglo bondholders

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has today called on Taoiseach Enda Kenny to name the bondholders who will receive payment of €1.25bn today.

Deputy Adams described the hand over as “scandalous”, particularly in light of the dire circumstances that ordinary people across the state find themselves now in as a result of government cuts and stealth taxes.

“This state is carrying too much debt,” he said. “Last year the Government gave the banks €20bn. At the same time there is too little investment in job creation and a whole series of new and additional stealth taxes have been introduced which are crippling low and middle income families and the poor.

“Today’s payment to unsecured, unguaranteed bondholders in the former Anglo Irish Bank is further evidence of the failure of Government austerity policies.

“This morning, I asked the Taoiseach to name the bondholders who will receive this payment. His response was that he could not. I have written to the Comptroller and Auditor General asking him to investigate this matter.

“To add insult to injury on the 31st of March a further €3.1bn of taxpayers’ money will be handed over in a promissory note in continuation of Fianna Fail’s disastrous strategy of dealing with the banking crisis.

“By the time it concludes paying this promissory note the state will have spent €74.6bn. We believe the Government should tell the European Central Bank that it cannot afford to these notes and begin serious negotiations to secure an acceptable resolution that works for Irish citizens.”