Opposition: Budget targets society's struggling

Wednesday, December 09, 2009 - 07:42 PM

Opposition politicians tonight rounded on the Government over the Budget branding it unfair for targeting hard-pressed families and the unemployed.

Fine Gael said the financial measures will hit those already struggling financially and do nothing to get the county back to work.

The Labour Party and Sinn Féin said low and middle-income earners were taking the brunt of the cuts over those on high wages.

Richard Bruton, Fine Gael finance spokesman, said: “Budget 2010 is not fair, not clever, and is not going to get the economy or the country back to work.

“Public sector employees on very low incomes are going to take serious pay cuts as a result of this announcement, while carers, widows and the blind will see their payments reduced.”

Mr Bruton also hit out at the 15% pay cut for ministers, claiming it was false and deceptive as it factors in the 10% cut already announced in last year’s budget.

Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore also branded the pay cut a sham.

“This 5% is exactly the same reduction in pay that the Government plans to impose on a county council worker or a cleaner earning €30,000 or less per year – less than one-sixth of their own inflated salaries,” Mr Gilmore said.

“The manner in which this cut was announced by Minister Lenihan was a scam, designed to mislead the public.”

Mr Gilmore said everyone anticipated a tough budget, but not one so unfair.

Sinn Fein said there was no mention of a job creation strategy to get the country back to work.

Arthur Morgan, economic spokesman, said: “Sinn Féin is opposed to today’s budget because it is totally unfair and will drive the economy into further recession.

“It is wrong to cut social welfare.

“It is wrong to cut the pay of public sector workers on the average wage by €1,500. It is wrong to cut child benefit.”