Taoiseach: Government of Sinn Féin and Independents would be a ‘political freakshow’

The Taoiseach has warned that a Government of Sinn Féin and Independents would be a ‘political freakshow’ - leading Ireland’s economy on a ‘mined and untested road’.

Enda Kenny was speaking about the General Election at MacGill Summer School in Co Donegal - where he said any government propped up by Independents would be a ‘Tower of Babel’ where no work could be done.

The Taoiseach said the coalition has returned stability to the country - and if re-elected, it will cut tax to encourage emigrants to return home.

Enda Kenny says an alternative involving Sinn Féin and Independents would be a gamble: "Will they choose the road to strengthen economic recovery, which is already mapped out, which is cleared and which is tested.

"Or will they decide to take another road. A road that’s possibly mined, certainly unmapped and certainly untested."

The Taoiseach also says young Irish emigrants aren't coming home because they feel they'll be 'screwed' by income tax.

Enda Kenny said the higher rate of PAYE is 'too high' and kicks in too early.

He says the next Budget will see the Universal Social Charge drop from 7% and the marginal rate of tax for anyone earning under €70,000 will come under 50%.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny says he hopes that will encourage emigrants to return: "It’s too high a rate and it kicks in too early. So how do you fix that?

"You just can’t say reduce it and give them more money. You have to have a stepped approach to this.

"That makes it more difficult for our sons and daughters to come home if they want to, because they’ll say ‘ why should I go back if I’m going to get screwed for tax here?’."

Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams has accused Taoiseach Enda Kenny of making ludicrous claims about the reasons for emigration at the MacGill Summer School .

Gerry Adams said: "Despite the Taoiseach's ludicrous claims this evening, income tax is not the main reason preventing emigrants returning home.

"What has caused so many people to leave this State are the brutal and destructive austerity policies being pursued by Mr Kenny's Government and his Fianna Fáil predecessors.

"It is the lack of employment opportunities for young people, the fact that ordinary workers are put to the pin of their collar by a range of stealth charges, and the destruction of public services that is preventing emigrants returning. Mr Kenny didn't propose anything to change this.

"Enda Kenny's comments that a Government involving Sinn Féin would be a ‘gamble’ are also nonsense.

"He reiterated his intention that if re-elected, he will continue the same political path that has caused so much hardship.

"What citizens need and want is a progressive Government that will stand up for their interests, end relentless austerity, rebuild our economy. That is Sinn Féin's focus.

"The Taoiseach should let citizens make the choice now by calling a General Election."