Government will not back down on USC cuts: Enda Kenny

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said his Government will not back down on tax cuts next year, despite the threat to the economy from Brexit, the US presidential election, and EU divisions.

Mr Kenny said he has no plans to cancel USC cuts, State pension increases, and self-employed tax credit rises when faced with claims the moves could stall Ireland’s economic recovery.

Speaking to reporters as part of a wide-ranging Christmas round-table interview, Mr Kenny said Brexit, Donald Trump’s election as US president, and EU divisions must be addressed in 2017. However, despite calls for a retreat on popular financial moves, he vowed to push ahead with the initiatives and said any external problems will not negate their value.