Leo Varadkar: Private gains need not come at the price of public pain

There is much more scope for expanding social insurance. I have proposed merging the USC into PRSI as part of a wider tax cut and reform plan, writes Leo Varadkar.

FOR decades it has suited some vested interests to pit the public and private sectors against each other, stoking resentments in a divide-and-conquer strategy. Those working in the private sector are encouraged to be envious of the public sector. As a result, many in the public sector bristle against external attacks and misrepresentations. Neither side benefits, nor does the Irish economy.

The solution for some is to punish the public sector, removing its favourable terms and conditions. A much better approach is to amend our laws and give private sector employees greater security and more protections. This is equality upwards as opposed to the equality downwards so often favoured by the Left. It brings everyone to a higher level in a way that’s affordable and sustainable, as opposed to levelling everyone downwards through high taxes and restrictions.