Use vote to secure reduction on debt burden, urges Ross

The referendum on tighter EU budget rules should be used to secure a reduction on Ireland’s massive debt burden, according to Independent TD Shane Ross.

“The Government should ask the people to pass this, but promise them that if they do so the debt will be reduced,” he told the Dáil in response to the Taoiseach’s announcement that a vote will be held.

The Dublin South TD said debt and the Anglo promissory notes would be “the most important issues” in the debate about the EU fiscal compact.