Common tax base: ‘Wishful thinking’

CHAIRMAN of the Irish Alliance for Europe Ruairi Quinn has said calls by the French finance minister for the introduction of a common consolidated corporate tax base throughout the EU is just wishful thinking on her part.

“French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde says ‘she hadn’t met any Irish people that were afraid of anything’ and she is right, as Ireland has nothing to be afraid of by ratifying this treaty, because by voting YES we will copperfasten our veto on decisions in relation to taxation, including corporation tax, key areas of social policy and foreign direct investment,” said Mr Quinn.

“As the minister for finance who was part of the rainbow government that introduced our 12.5% corporate tax rate, why would I be advocating a yes vote for the Lisbon Treaty if I thought ratification of this treaty would lead to tax harmonisation and therefore undermine Ireland’s position on corporate tax? Ireland’s 12.5% corporation tax rate has been instrumental in attracting a wide range of multinational companies,” he said.