Ahern looking at the ‘bigger picture’

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday claimed that this week’s Budget was part of a cycle that would realise the immense potential of Ireland that generations of patriots hoped for and dreamed of but never lived to see.

In his speech to the Dáil on Budget 2007 the Taoiseach contended that the Government had met its commitments to workers, enterprise, pensioners and family.

He also described it as an “entirely responsible one”, designed not to overheat the economy and to give the State a substantial safety margin, if the current favourable economic picture were to disimprove.

Turning to what he called was the “bigger picture”, Mr Ahern said that the Government’s strategy was to be at the service of Irish people, including families, entrepreneurs, older people, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged.

The Taoiseach also attacked the opposition whom he said were inconsistent in their argument that taxes should be lower and public spending should be higher.

He contended the Budget showed that the Government continued to merit the continuing confidence of the people.

Listing the various elements of Mr Cowen’s budgetary package, the Taoiseach honed in on the social welfare package of €1.4 billion and the tax measures worth €1.25bn.

He defended the 1% drop in the top tax rate, which drew some criticism yesterday, by drawing attention to the health levy increase of 0.5% for those earning in excess of €100,000.

“The Government is recognising that those who can do so make an appropriate contribution to the cost of caring for our older citizens,” he argued.

He went on to assert that the budget was also good for all families.

“By the time we reach the historically resonant date of 2016, the vision and aspirations of the founders of this State are well capable of realisation,” he said.