Opposition accuse McCreevy of going easy on high earners

FINANCE Minister Charlie McCreevy was accused last night of failing to adequately tackle tax loopholes benefiting the rich — despite the clampdowns announced yesterday.

The Finance Bill proved Mr McCreevy has not yet delivered on his promise to get tough on tax loopholes, according to the Labour Party.

Fine Gael said he was fuelling price rises and using inflation as a hidden tax collector. The publication of the Bill reinforced the bad effects of the budget, according to the Green Party.