SF says wealth tax plan would go to a commission

Sinn Féin leaders denied that its alternative budget is conservative

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald at the launch of Sinn Fein's alternative budget at the Communication Workers' Union, Dublin. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Sinn Féin has said that it is still "committed" to the principle of a wealth tax, but if in government the party would send the proposal to a commission as it had "too little analysis". 

The 1% tax on net assets above €1m was a cornerstone of the party's manifesto in 2011 and Sinn Féin has said it would raise around €150m a year. However, at Wednesday's launch of the Sinn Féin alternative budget, party finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said that the move would instead be referred to a Wealth Tax Commission.