Fine Gael chastise Cowen over 'Homer Simpson' promises

Minister for Finance Brian Cowen was compared to cartoon character Homer Simpson today as he delivered his Budget in the Dáil.

Fine Gael Finance Spokesman Richard Bruton said Mr Cowen’s announcement made many promises but the Irish people were sceptical of whether those vows would be delivered.

Referring to a quote from Homer Simpson in an episode of the animated series, Mr Bruton said: “ ‘Making promises makes me a good father’, he [Homer] said, but the worldly wise Lisa said: ‘Keeping promises is what would make you a good father.’

“And that’s the test. Today’s Budget undoubtedly passes the Homer Simpson test of being a good Budget but the Irish people have grown sceptical like Lisa Simpson.

“They want to see their money deliver results and the main result that this Budget has an eye to, unfortunately, is the outcome of the next General Election.”

Mr Cowen was still on his feet delivering his second Budget in the Dáil when it was met with the jeers and condemnation of opposition parties.

Labour Party Finance Spokeswoman Joan Burton described the childcare package as deeply disappointing and lacking credibility.

“We had been promised that this Budget would finally tackle the childcare crisis,” she said.

“That requires a coherent, child-centred approach which supports parents’ choices. Today’s package is nothing of the sort.

“The offer of a 5-year package is laughable. In 2001 Fianna Fáil and the PDs introduced a three-year programme. Needless to say, once the 2002 election was over, the rest of the childcare package was dropped.”

Ms Burton said the Government showed no ambition to provide pre-school education for all children.

“This Government has ignored the childcare problem for years,” she said.

“Now that it has finally been forced to act, it is clear that it has no idea of the real requirements of today’s young families.”

Finian McGrath, speaking on behalf of the Independent TDs in the Dáil, said people had been disappointed by many of the Government’s previous budgets.

“It is not acceptable or right to have people on waiting lists in a strong and healthy economy. That’s the Independent Deputies’ bottom line and that is our broader vision,” he said.

“We want to make inclusion a reality for all of our citizens. We have had enough of old guff over eight years.”

IFA President John Dillon said the Budget failed to address farm competitiveness.

“The Government’s failure to address farm consolidation as the key farm tax issue will prevent farmers from developing the scale they need to produce on a European and world stage, particularly in the context of the damaging policy changes from WTO concessions,” he said.

Mr Dillon was highly critical of the absence of any farm reinvestment relief to allow farmers build scale and reduce the number of separate land parcels in farm holdings.

Progressive Democrats chief whip Liz O’Donnell said today’s Budget brings to fruition many of the ideals championed by her party.

She said the PDs’ pursuit of low tax, fair tax and social justice was reflected in many of the measures announced by the Minister for Finance today.

“We are responsible, in conjunction with our coalition partner, for a progressive Budget that uses the fruits of our prosperity to help the most vulnerable in society,” she added.