Workers will escape tax hikes if troika cuts new deal

WORKERS will only be spared income tax hikes in the budget if the Government can cut a new deal with the EU/IMF, the Taoiseach last night insisted.

Enda Kenny said he was determined to uphold his election pledge not to increase pay levies, but needs approval from the EU/ECB/IMF troika to make up the €250 million hole this would leave in national coffers.

“We are committed to no increase in income tax and no decrease in the headline rates in social welfare,” he said.