Public finance warning in report

THE Government needs to do more to convince people it is putting taxpayers' money to good use, according to a survey of Irish homeowners published yesterday.

The survey, carried out by the Irish Mortgage Corporation, a mortgage intermediary, found 96% of homeowners wanted better management of public money.

"People are absolutely opposed to any increases in the current level of personal taxation to resolve the current problems with our public services," said Irish Mortgage Corporation marketing manager Frank Conway. Mr Conway said homeowners had spent considerable amounts of money on homes and had given a significant portion to the government through stamp duty and VAT.