Instead of change we can believe in, we’re getting the same old song

NO matter how many ways that you try to adapt candlelight it can’t be made into a light bulb.

A completely different approach was required to confront the problem of darkness. Ireland’s budgetary crisis, with fiscal deficit of €20 billion, is being approached by the same incremental policies, irrespective of a change of government. People voted for change through Kenny and Gilmore, yet ended up with Merkel/Sarkozy rule and the same outdated fiscal rectitude. This administration’s medium-term four-year budget plans represent the same old recipe of stealth taxes, rather than radically downsizing government.

An overall adjustment of €12.4bn is required over the coming years to fix the public finances. The key political challenge is the balance between spending cuts and revenue raising measures. The general election determined the numerical muscle between Fine Gael and Labour. FG wanted a ratio of 72%: 28% versus Labour’s 50%: 50% between less expenditure and more taxes. The agreed prescription of 62%: 38% masks reality for many families. In many cases, cuts mean extra new charges. Reducing the school transport budget involves raising costs per child from €50 to €100 or a family ticket from €110 to €220. In accounting terms, it’s deemed “savings”. The soft option of raising revenue is ubiquitous in every department.