€2bn in cuts ‘the strategy of a repeat coalition’, say Social Democrats

Any likely new Fine Gael- Labour coalition would “not have a cent available” to invest in services, and would be forced to impose up to €2bn more frontline cuts if it was to push ahead with plans to remove the universal social charge if returned to government.

The Social Democrats made the claim at the launch of its election campaign yesterday, accusing the outgoing coalition of causing confusion over available monies.

Hitting out at the situation as his party outlined a series of policies aiming to reduce the cost of living without risking the recovery, Wicklow TD Stephen Donnelly said removing USC entirely would take €4bn-€5bn out of the tax net.