Statement from Soc Dems deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan on Simon Harris’ attack, in today’s Irish Times, on the Soc Dems’ tax plan.
“Simon Harris is clutching at straws and is clearly struggling to explain how Fine Gael can propose large tax cuts and massive spending increases during this election campaign.
“This is an especially difficult circle to square when the Taoiseach is also issuing stark warnings about future risks to the economy from international events, like the re-election of Donald Trump.
“In those circumstances, it is bizarre that he is attacking one of the only parties that is being straight with the electorate and simply stating the truth – that large tax cuts, and simultaneous spending increases, are incompatible.
“We all know what happened during the crash, when Fianna Fáil relied on transient taxes, eroded the tax base and left the country bankrupt and bailed out. We do not want to go back there.
“We need a stable tax base in order to ensure we can pay for critical investment in essential services like affordable housing, healthcare, childcare and disability services.
“The notion that the Social Democrats ruling out tax cuts is the equivalent of tax rises is also incorrect. If the Taoiseach had read our manifesto, he would see we advocate for tax band indexation and tax credit increases to ensure workers don’t lose out due to inflation.
“The difference is that we want to wait and see what is required each year, and what money is available, rather than promising we’ll cut taxes by billions every year, regardless of how the economy is going.
“Unlike Fine Gael, and the other large parties, the Social Democrats are simply being straight with voters about our financial position. Instead of tax cuts or one-off measures, we believe the best way to bring down the cost of living for everyone is to invest in our critical public services.”