Kenny sets out plan to revive economy

Enda Kenny tonight set out how a Fine Gael Government would tackle the spiralling national deficit and revive the Irish economy.

The party leader and president told faithful that tax hikes and spending cuts would not alone bring down the debt as he set out a series of pro-business proposals that he hopes will deliver a General Election victory.

At the heart of the plan is an €18bn investment stimulus in targeted areas of the economy - such as high speed broadband, clean energy and water - that he claimed would create 100,000 jobs.

A guarantee scheme for small business loans and a pledge not to raise corporation tax were also among the policies Mr Kenny outlined to guests at the Fine Gael Annual Presidents Dinner in Dublin.

Other key measures included the adoption of the Dutch health care system and a vow to reform the Oireachtas with a referendum - one year after taking office - on abolishing the Seanad and reducing the Dáil by 20 TDs.

"When the Irish people give a new Government a new mandate, the natural energy, optimism and ideas of the Irish people will be unleashed. Set free. Liberated from the strangle hold of despair created by the current Government's failings," said Mr Kenny.

"Fine Gael wants to seek that mandate, that permission from the people. We want to put the case of the party I have the honour to lead to the people. Let me confirm to you tonight that Fine Gael has done the hard work and is now ready to lead the way in restoring our country's fortunes.

"We have people who will lead. We have a team that will not lie down in the face of this challenge. And most crucially - we have the plans."

Mr Kenny said his party could cut the budget deficit to 3% by 2014.

"But, let me be clear," he added.

"We will achieve these budgetary targets not just through the usual spending and tax measures but by supporting economic growth and job creation.

"We know we cannot tax our way to economic recovery or health in the public finances."

The party leader also vowed to protect jobs.

"It seems to have escaped the notice of those in government today that we will never fix our financial crisis if we don't grow our economy and fix our jobs crisis," he said.

Mr Kenny said he would adopt a continental approach to health care that would cut waiting lists and make sure that insurance is affordable for everyone.

"This will mean people will get access to care on the basis of need rather than wealth," he said.

"This new approach is based on the world famous Dutch system of healthcare. It has worked there, it can work here too."

Mr Kenny said Black Thursday - when the scale of the debt was revealed - should not be seen as an end but as a beginning.

"A day when the Irish people braced themselves for a fight, took a deep breath and said; never again," he added.

"I stand tonight with those true Irish patriots. I too say, never again. From this day forward let us stand together as a people and rebuild our country. Our banks, our public services, our economy and our politics all need a new start. It is a massive undertaking. The struggle will be long, our opponents many and the challenges diverse.

"But the prize is worth fighting for. A country to be proud of. One that protects its vulnerable. Rewards hard work and effort. Treats all with dignity and respect. Cherishes our young and invests for our shared future. And one that prizes community ahead of economy while recognising we need to nurture both. That is a country worth fighting for."