Coalition low-tax pledges denounced as ‘auction politics’
The opposition rounded on the Government parties after the commitments were made by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton at the weekend.
Mr Kenny said he will cut household tax bills if returned to government in order to bring them into line with “lower tax” nations like the US and Canada.
While the move will benefit high income earners the most, the Fine Gael leader also re-emphasised his commitment to abolishing the universal social charge completely over the next six budgets. In a separate interview, Ms Burton said her party will introduce new taxes on people earning more than €100,000 a year.
The comments came as a new opinion poll found support for the coalition now stands at 41%, suggesting the current Government is in position to remain in power.
According to the Red C poll taken between Monday and Wednesday last week, Fine Gael is on 32% (up 1%), Labour 9% (up 2%), Sinn Féin 19% (up 1%), Fianna Fáil 17% (down 2%) and independents/others 23% (down 2%) — while 15% of people surveyed have not decided who they will vote for.
However, Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty last night hit out at the results, saying the Taoiseach and Tánaiste’s weekend comments are “auction politics of the worst kind” and are risking the recovery to win an election.
“We are currently in the midst of a very serious housing crisis and a very serious crisis in our health services,” he said “People are dying on our streets and people are languishing on trolleys in our hospital emergency departments.
“This did not come about by accident.
“Enda Kenny’s tax proposals are auction politics at its worst. They would destroy what is left of our public services and put our economy in danger once again,” he said.
