Debate on cutting taxes: Help the low paid when time is right

In a deeply indebted open economy like ours, tax policy is more a political and economic imperative rather than one aimed at ensuring social justice or equity. 

Despite that, social justice and some version of equity usually — but not always — flow from effective and decent tax policies. That, like it or not, is a reality of capitalism, especially in a society that’s not entirely in control of its own affairs and occasionally dependent on the expensive kindness of strangers.

Nevertheless, any political party worthy of a vote must use taxation, direct or indirect, to create a regime that is fair, decent, and allows people live with dignity and in security. How that remote Nirvana is reached is the subject for debate between coalition partners Fine Gael and Labour though, as senior voices in each party assure us, it is not the catalyst for a conclusive, election-provoking rift. Not yet, anyway.