Now is not the time to take a punt on our country’s future –Coveney, Donohoe

Time to step away from the ‘soundbytes of change’ to evidence of detailed plans to move country forward

Now is not the time to take a punt on our future, after the hard-won progress we have made has turned our country around, An Tánaiste, Simon Coveney and Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe said today (Tuesday).

They went on to say that we now have more people at work than ever before, our public finances safe, and our international reputation restored.

An Tánaiste, Simon Coveney, said Fine Gael’s economic record is one which has ensured strong growth, a job for everyone who wants one and wages that are rising.

Under Fine Gael, Minister Donohoe said we now have the resources to invest in health, education, childcare, broadband, climate action and public transport. We also have the plans and the team to continue on the hard work so that we can deliver even more in the future.

He also said that under a Fine Gael Government, the average worker will benefit from tax cuts to the tune of just under €3,000 per year. This is in stark contrast to the devastating impact a Fianna Fáil/Sinn Féin coalition will have on the Irish economy.

A coalition made up of Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin – the ‘Wreckers’ and the ‘Reckless’ – presents a clear and present danger to our economy, society and future. This possibility is now in prospect.

An Tánaiste, Simon Coveney, said: “Our country has built something hugely valuable in the last nine years, from a place of despair. Our economy is now strong and sustainable, if we take care of it. The word “change” is being ambushed and abused – voters are being promised levels of spending and policies that would cripple the Irish economy again. It is change with no regard to the consequences or fallout. It is based on a falsehood.

“This election will come down to trust: Do you trust the party who crashed our economy but now claims to be reborn? Or those making irresponsible spending promises on the back of massive tax hikes to win votes, but who will wreck the economy in doing so? Fine Gael has the team – the plans and the people – in which you can trust.”

Minister Donohoe said: “I am asking voters who will go to the polls this Saturday to reflect on what they want for our country, and our future. We have turned the ship around and are now in a place where we are delivering a brighter future for our people. Fianna Fáil and Sinn Fein have the potential to undo all of this hard work; FF with a return to their worst hits of the Celtic Tiger era. And SF with their tax and spent plans that would drive business from our shores and threaten the jobs we have worked so hard for here at home.

“Fine Gael has strengthened the economy so that we can provide for all in society. Our plans are simple; we will continue to do this. More than 1 million people will benefit from our tax plan to ensure the higher rate of tax is not paid on average earnings. Our plans for changes to the USC will see more than 400,000 lower earners benefit. This is the positive change Fine Gael in Government will make as we continue to build a future that we can all look forward to.”