Labour vows to scrap USC for low earners

Lower and middle-income earners would see the much-hated universal social charge phased out if Labour are returned to power, Tánaiste Joan Burton will pledge today.

Encouraged by renewed voter support, 10% (+2), the Labour leader will make the re-election promise which party sources say would happen in the lifetime of the next government.

Coalition figures last night said Fine Gael and Labour are “within touching distance” of getting back in after a new poll gave them a joint 38%, close to what party strategists believe is the ‘magic number’ and enough support to form the next government.