Noonan accused of buying votes with USC cut vow

Opposition party fears that the Government intends to use the looming pre-election budget to try and buy votes have been fuelled by Finance Minister Michael Noonan’s pledge to cut the Universal Social Charge by 1%.

Mr Noonan signalled that he wants to reduce levies for lower- and middle-income earners ahead of the general election which must be held by spring at the latest.

“I’m going to cut the Universal Social Charge by at least 1% and maybe a bit more,” Mr Noonan told Newstalk.