Left wing policies will damage economy, says Harney

The Progressive Democrats today cranked up fears about putting left wing parties into power after the general election.

In the final weekend of the campaign politicians were anxiously awaiting the results of two key opinion polls in Sunday newspapers.

Sparking a war of words between Government and Opposition parties, former Tánaiste Mary Harney said policies by Labour and the Greens were "crazy" and would unravel hard-earned economic prosperity.

Ms Harney, whose party's election slogan is 'Don't Throw It All Away,' said: "The economy is not on automatic pilot. The people that make the decisions that generate economic success come from governments which have to have coherent policies.

"We cannot take the risk that a left wing dominated government with incoherence on economic activity is going to take over from next Thursday. I don't believe the people will allow that to happen."

However Green TD Ciaran Cuffe hit back: "I think this negative campaigning by the PDs is an act of desperation."

Speaking while canvassing in Galway, Labour leader Pat Rabbitte claimed Fianna Fáil's election campaign was "increasingly desperate, wholly negative and devoid of vision for the future of the country".

Labour frontbench spokesman Eamon Gilmore pointed out that Labour and Fine Gael were the only future coalition option to agree a joint economic programme.

"Voters know they're getting joined-up economic framework."

Fianna Fáil today reiterated pledges to raise the state pension to at least €300 per week and keep the tax burden low.

"Our proposals are better for 97% of income earners, particularly those on low and middle incomes," Social Affairs Minister Brennan said.

Unveiling environmental policies in Co Mayo, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny called for a new Department of Energy and Environment to co-ordinate all climate change initiatives.

He also pledged lower VRT for drivers of energy efficient cars and the abolition of excise duty on bio fuels to increase production.

High capacity commuter rail in cities and universal broadband access are also envisaged.

Launching environment proposals, Sinn Féin called for the controversial section of the M3 motorway to be diverted away from the Hill of Tara in Co Meath.

The party also wants new legislation to stop the commercial sale of important historical documents, like the 1916 Proclamation.

Labour pledged to establish more community-based sports and recreation programmes for children and young people if elected.

The party proposes after-school and summer holiday youth schemes overseen by local authorities and co-ordinated by a full-time youth recreation co-ordinator.

"The failure to encourage children to exercise regularly and to educate them about the importance of sport and general fitness simply stores up major problems for the future for overall health and well-being," said frontbench spokesperson Joan Burton.