Fine Gael pledge not to increase direct taxes

FINE GAEL last night pledged not to raise direct taxes as they ruled out going into Government with the Progressive Democrats.

Finance spokesperson and deputy party leader Richard Bruton used the final day of FG’s strategy summit in Portlaoise to insist a “rainbow” administration with Labour would not mean hikes in property, income or corporation taxes, but he gave no such promise on indirect or stealth duties.

Fine Gael emerged from its two day parliamentary gathering in an upbeat mood, confident they had a realistic opportunity to take 30 seats from Fianna Fáil and the PDs at the next election which would see their TD tally reach 62.