FG and Labour exposed for vote-getting gimmicks

IN every election, candidates feed the electorate with tasty promises and even, in some cases, quickly thought up gimmicks that will get that all important extra vote.

Fine Gael were off to a good start last week with a pledge to give struggling homeowners a boost with increased amounts in mortgage interest relief. And the promise caught the attention of a lot of people.

But party promises must be checked. So what was the track record of Fine Gael and Labour after the last time the parties went looking for votes, following the local elections of 2009? A spot check on the promises made by the two parties shows a dismal record when it comes to implementing pledges made at the doorsteps.